Process for producing imine compounds for combating invertebrate pests

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for producing aromatic carbonyl compounds of formula I and aromatic imine compounds of formula III 
                         
comprising the step of reacting a (hetero)aromatic halogen or sulfonate compound II
 
                         
wherein the variables are as defined in the claims and description,
 
with a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal complex catalyst. The invention also relates to specific compounds III, to compositions comprising them and to their use for combating invertebrate pests.

This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2011/060388, filed Jun. 22, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/357,623, filed Jun. 23, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to European Patent Application No. 10167098.2, filed Jun. 23, 2010, and European Patent Application No. 10167255.8, filed Jun. 24, 2010, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a process for producing aromatic carbonyl compounds of formula I as defined below and aromatic imine compounds of formula III as defined below comprising the step of reacting a (hetero)aromatic halogen or sulfonate compound with a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal complex catalyst.

Imine-substituted isoxazolines of the formula III defined below are useful for combating or controlling invertebrate pests, in particular arthropod pests and nematodes. Their preparation is however rather difficult and involves steps which are not feasible on an industrial scale.

For instance, WO 2010/072781 describes in example 1 the conversion of an aromatic bromide to the corresponding aldehyde with triethyl silane in the presence of a palladium catalyst. Triethyl silane is however not suitable for the use on an industrial scale. Moreover, the amount of palladium catalyst required in this conversion is rather high.

It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a process for producing the aromatic carbonyl compound of formula I and eventually the imine product of formula III as defined below which can be applied on an industrial scale. Moreover, the process should require a smaller amount of catalyst.

The object is achieved by the finding that the (hetero)aromatic halogenide or sulfonate of formula II as defined below can be converted into the corresponding aldehyde by reaction with a mixture of CO and H₂ in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

The invention thus relates to a process for producing a carbonyl compound of formula I

wherein

-   A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N or CH, with the proviso that at most three     of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N; -   B¹, B² and B³ are N or CH, with the proviso that at most two of B¹,     B² and B³ are N; -   X is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-haloalkenyl,     C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₂-C₄-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl; -   each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of     fluorine; chlorine; cyano; azido; nitro; —SCN; SF₅; C₁-C₆-alkyl     which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be     substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may     be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one     or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶;     C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷;     —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; C(═O)R⁶;     —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═NR⁸)H; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹;     phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and     a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or     aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or     heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring     members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or     more radicals R¹⁰; -   or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms may be together a     group selected from —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, —N═CH—CH═CH—,     —CH═N—CH═CH—, —N═CH—N═CH—, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —OCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂OCH₂CH₂—,     —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂O—,     —CH═CHO—, —CH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂C(═O)O—, —C(═O)OCH₂—, —O(CH₂)O—,     —SCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —SCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂SCH₂CH₂—, —SCH₂CH₂S—, —SCH₂SCH₂—,     —CH₂CH₂S—, —CH═CHS—, —CH₂SCH₂—, —CH₂C(═S)S—, —C(═S)SCH₂—, —S(CH₂)S—,     —CH₂CH₂NR⁸—, —CH₂CH═N—, —CH═CH—NR⁸—, —OCH═N— and —SCH═N—, thus     forming, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, a     5- or 6-membered ring, where the hydrogen atoms of the above groups     may be replaced by one or more substituents selected from fluorine,     chlorine, methyl, halomethyl, hydroxyl, methoxy and halomethoxy or     one or more CH₂ groups of the above groups may be replaced by a C═O     group; -   each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of     fluorine, chlorine, cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₁-C₆-alkyl     which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be     substituted by one or more radicals R⁶, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may     be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one     or more radicals R⁶, C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR⁷, —SR⁷,     —S(O)_(m)R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶,     —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═S)R⁶, —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹,     —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5     radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; -   each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of     cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR⁷, —OSO₂R⁷, —SR⁷,     —S(O)_(m)R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹,     —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)R¹⁹, phenyl which may be substituted     by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered     saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring     containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from     N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic     ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; and, in case R⁶     is bound to a cycloalkyl group or to a heterocyclic ring formed by     R¹ and R² together with the atoms to which they are bound, R⁶ may     additionally be selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl and benzyl which     may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and in groups     —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═S)R⁶, —C(═NR⁸)R⁶ and —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶, R⁶ may     additionally be selected from hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl and benzyl which     may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; -   or two geminally bound radicals R⁶ together form a group selected     from ═CR¹¹R¹², ═S(O)_(m)R⁷, ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹, ═NR⁸, ═NOR⁷ and ═NNR⁸; -   or two radicals R⁶, together with the carbon atoms to which they are     bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered saturated or     partially unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing 1,     2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO,     SO and SO₂, as ring members; -   each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of     hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio,     C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfonyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³,     —SR⁸, —S(O)_(m)R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —N═CR¹⁵R¹⁶,     —C(═O)R¹⁷, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR¹⁷, phenyl which     may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-,     5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic     heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom     groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where     the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals     R¹⁰; -   with the proviso that R⁷ is not C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy if     it is bound to an oxygen atom; -   each R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of     hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, where the alkyl moiety in the four     last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals     R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated     and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl where the cycloalkyl moiety may be     partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or     more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰,     —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or     5 radicals R¹⁰, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5     radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; -   each R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of     hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, where the alkyl moiety in the four     last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals     R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated     and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl where the cycloalkyl moiety may be     partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or     more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰,     —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or     5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;     -   or R⁸ and R⁹ together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²;     -   or R⁸ and R⁹, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are         bound, may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,         partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may         additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom         groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members,         where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more         radicals R¹⁰; -   each R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of     fluorine, chlorine, cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl     which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may     be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one     or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹,     C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or     may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR²⁰,     —SR²⁰, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², —N(R²¹)R²², C(═O)R¹⁹,     —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═NR²¹)R²², —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl     which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently     selected from fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; and a 3-, 4-,     5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring     containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from     N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted     by one or more radicals independently selected from fluorine,     chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy     and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; -   or two radicals R¹⁰ bound on adjacent atoms together form a group     selected from —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, —N═CH—CH═CH—,     —CH═N—CH═CH—, —N═CH—N═CH—, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —OCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂OCH₂CH₂—,     —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂O—,     —CH═CHO—, —CH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂C(═O)O—, —C(═O)OCH₂—, —O(CH₂)O—,     —SCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —SCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂SCH₂CH₂—, —SCH₂CH₂S—, —SCH₂SCH₂—,     —CH₂CH₂S—, —CH═CHS—, —CH₂SCH₂—, —CH₂C(═S)S—, —C(═S)SCH₂—, —S(CH₂)S—,     —CH₂CH₂NR²¹—, —CH₂CH═N—, —CH═CH—NR²¹—, —OCH═N— and —SCH═N—, thus     forming, together with the atoms to which they are bound, a 5- or     6-membered ring, where the hydrogen atoms of the above groups may be     replaced by one or more substituents selected from fluorine,     chlorine, methyl, halomethyl, hydroxyl, methoxy and halomethoxy or     one or more CH₂ groups of the above groups may be replaced by a C═O     group; -   R¹¹, R¹² are, independently of each other and independently of each     occurrence, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy,     —C(═O)R¹⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═NR²¹)R²², —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²²,     —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5     radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted by one or more     radicals R¹⁰; -   R¹³, R¹⁴ are, independently of each other and independently of each     occurrence, selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl; -   R¹⁵, R¹⁶ are, independently of each other and independently of each     occurrence, selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl,     C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, phenyl which     may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-,     5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic     heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom     groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which     may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; -   each R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl; -   each R¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of     cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR²⁰, —OSO₂R²⁰, —SR²⁰,     —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², —N(R²¹)R²², —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²²,     —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═O)R²⁰, phenyl which may be     substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from     fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or     7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic     ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the     heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals     independently selected from fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;     -   and, in case R¹⁹ is bound to a cycloalkyl group, R¹⁹ may         additionally be selected from the group consisting of         C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl and         C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl; and in groups —C(═O)R¹⁹, R¹⁹ may additionally         be selected from hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,         C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, and C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl; -   or two geminally bound radicals R¹⁹ together form a group selected     from ═CR¹¹R¹², ═S(O)_(m)R²⁰, ═S(O)_(m)N(R²¹)R²², ═NR²¹, ═NOR²⁰ and     ═NNR²¹; -   or two radicals R¹⁹, together with the carbon atoms to which they     are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered saturated or     partially unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing 1,     2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO,     SO and SO₂, as ring members; -   each R²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of     hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio,     C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfonyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³,     C₁-C₆-alkylaminosulfonyl, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino,     di-(C₁-C₆-alkyl)-amino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylcarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl,     di-(C₁-C₆-alkyl)-aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxycarbonyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2,     3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from fluorine, chlorine,     cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5     radicals independently selected from fluorine, chlorine, cyano,     nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from     fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; -   with the proviso that R²⁰ is not C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy if     it is bound to an oxygen atom; -   R²¹ and R²² are independently of each other and independently of     each occurrence selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy,     C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, phenyl which     may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently     selected from fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, benzyl which may     be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected     from fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or     7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic     ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the     heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals     independently selected from fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro,     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; -   or R²¹ and R²², together with the nitrogen atom to which they are     bound, may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially     unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may additionally     containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the     heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals     selected from fluorine, chlorine, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; -   each m is independently 1 or 2; -   each n is independently 0, 1 or 2; -   p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and -   q is 0, 1 2, 3, 4 or 5; -   comprising following step: -   reacting a compound of formula II

wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴, B¹, B², B³, X, R⁴, R⁵, p and q are as defined above and

-   Z is selected from halogen and —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is     C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or phenyl which may be substituted by     1, 2 or 3 radicals selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl     C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy;     with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition     metal complex.

This process is called process A.

The invention also relates to a process for producing imine compounds of the formula III

wherein

-   Y is O, N—R³, S(O)_(n) or a chemical bond; -   R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano;     C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₁-C₁₀-alkoxy;     C₁-C₁₀-haloalkoxy; C₁-C₁₀-alkylthio; C₁-C₁₀-haloalkylthio;     C₁-C₁₀-alkylsulfinyl; C₁-C₁₀-haloalkylsulfinyl;     C₁-C₁₀-alkylsulfonyl; C₁-C₁₀-haloalkylsulfonyl; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl     which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be     substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be     partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or     more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully     halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶;     —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷;     —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5     radicals R¹⁰; and a C-bound 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano;     C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which     may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by     one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or     fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals     R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated     and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; —N(R⁸)R⁹;     —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷;     —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶;     —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; phenyl which may be     substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or     7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic     ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the     heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; -   with the proviso that R² is not —OR⁷ if Y is O; -   or R¹ and R², together with the atoms to which they are bound, form     a partially unsaturated or aromatic 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic     ring which, apart from the nitrogen atom of the imine group and the     group Y if this is different from a chemical bond, optionally     contains 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the     heterocyclic ring may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents R⁶; -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano;     C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which     may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by     one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or     fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals     R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated     and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; —N(R⁸)R⁹;     —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶;     —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹;     —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5     radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,     partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2     or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO     and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; -   or R² and R³ together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²; ═S(O)_(m)R⁷;     ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹; ═NR⁸; or ═NOR⁷; -   or R² and R³ together form a C₂-C₇ alkylene chain, thus forming,     together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, a 3-, 4-,     5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered ring, where the alkylene chain may be     interrupted by 1 or 2 O, S and/or NR¹⁸ and/or 1 or 2 of the CH₂     groups of the alkylene chain may be replaced by a group C═O, C═S     and/or C═NR¹⁸; and/or the alkylene chain may be substituted by one     or more radicals selected from the group consisting of halogen,     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio,     C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl,     C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl,     phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and     a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or     aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or     heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring     members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or     more radicals R¹⁰; -   each R¹⁸ is independently defined like R³; -   and A¹, A², A³, A⁴, B¹, B², B³, X, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹,     R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², m, n, p and q are     as defined in claim 1; -   comprising following step: -   reacting a compound of formula II

-   wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴, B¹, B², B³, X, R⁴, R⁵, p and q are as     defined above and -   Z is selected from halogen and —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is     C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or phenyl which may be substituted by     1, 2 or 3 radicals selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl     C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy;     with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition     metal complex catalyst.

This process is called process B.

The organic moieties mentioned in the above definitions of the variables are—like the term halogen—collective terms for individual listings of the individual group members. The prefix C_(n)-C_(m) indicates in each case the possible number of carbon atoms in the group.

The term halogen denotes in each case fluorine, bromine, chlorine or iodine, in particular fluorine, chlorine or bromine.

The term “C₁-C₁₀-alkyl” as used herein and in the alkyl moieties of alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl and the like refers to saturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 2 (“C₁-C₂-alkyl”), 1 to 4 (“C₁-C₄-alkyl”), 1 to 6 (“C₁-C₆-alkyl”), 1 to 8 (“C₁-C₈-alkyl”) or 1 to 10 (“C₁-C₁₀-alkyl”) carbon atoms. C₁-C₂-Alkyl is methyl or ethyl. C₁-C₄-Alkyl is additionally propyl, isopropyl, butyl, 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl), 2-methylpropyl (isobutyl) or 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl). C₁-C₆-Alkyl is additionally also, for example, pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, hexyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl, or 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl. C₁-C₈-Alkyl is additionally also, for example, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl and positional isomers thereof. C₁-C₁₀-Alkyl is additionally also, for example, nonyl, decyl and positional isomers thereof.

The term “C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl” as used herein, which is also expressed as “C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which is partially or fully halogenated”, refers to straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 2 (“C₁-C₂-haloalkyl”), 1 to 4 (“C₁-C₄-haloalkyl”), 1 to 6 (“C₁-C₆-haloalkyl”), 1 to 8 (“C₁-C₈-haloalkyl”) or 1 to 10 (“C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl”) carbon atoms (as mentioned above), where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above: in particular C₁-C₂-haloalkyl, such as chloromethyl, bromomethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 1-bromoethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl or 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-yl.

“Halomethyl” is methyl in which 1, 2 or 3 of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms. Examples are bromomethyl, chloromethyl, fluoromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl and the like.

The term “C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl” as used herein and in the alkenyl moiety of alkenyloxy and the like refers to monounsaturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 4 (“C₂-C₄-alkenyl”), 2 to 6 (“C₂-C₆-alkenyl”), 2 to 8 (“C₂-C₈-alkenyl”), 3 to 8 (“C₃-C₈-alkenyl”), 2 to 10 (“C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl”) or 3 to 10 (“C₃-C₁₀-alkenyl”) carbon atoms and a double bond in any position, for example C₂-C₄-alkenyl, such as ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl or 2-methyl-2-propenyl; C₂-C₆-alkenyl, such as ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl, 3-methyl-3-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-methyl-1-pentenyl, 2-methyl-1-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-pentenyl, 4-methyl-1-pentenyl, 1-methyl-2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-2-pentenyl, 4-methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-pentenyl, 3-methyl-3-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-methyl-4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-pentenyl, 4-methyl-4-pentenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-1-butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-butenyl, 2-ethyl-1-butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl, 1,1,2-trimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-2-propenyl and the like, or C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl, such as the radicals mentioned for C₂-C₆-alkenyl and additionally 1-heptenyl, 2-heptenyl, 3-heptenyl, 1-octenyl, 2-octenyl, 3-octenyl, 4-octenyl, 1-nonenyl, 2-nonenyl, 3-nonenyl, 4-nonenyl, 1-decenyl, 2-decenyl, 3-decenyl, 4-decenyl, 5-decenyl and the positional isomers thereof.

The term “C₂-C₁₀-haloalkenyl” as used herein, which is also expressed as “C₁-C₁₀-alkenyl which is partially or fully halogenated”, and the haloalkenyl moieties in haloalkenyloxy, haloalkenylcarbonyl and the like refers to unsaturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 4 (“C₂-C₄-haloalkenyl”), 2 to 6 (“C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl”), 2 to 8 (“C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl”) or 2 to 10 (“C₂-C₁₀-haloalkenyl”) carbon atoms and a double bond in any position (as mentioned above), where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above, in particular fluorine, chlorine and bromine, for example chlorovinyl, chloroallyl and the like.

The term “C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl” as used herein and the alkynyl moieties in alkynyloxy, alkynylcarbonyl and the like refers to straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 4 (“C₂-C₄-alkynyl”), 2 to 6 (“C₂-C₆-alkynyl”), 2 to 8 (“C₂-C₈-alkynyl”), 3 to 8 (“C₃-C₈-alkynyl”), 2 to 10 (“C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl”) or 3 to 10 (“C₃-C₈-alkynyl”) carbon atoms and one or two triple bonds in any position, for example C₂-C₄-alkynyl, such as ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl and the like, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, such as ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-methyl-2-butynyl, 1-methyl-3-butynyl, 2-methyl-3-butynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl, 1-ethyl-2-propynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl, 1-methyl-2-pentynyl, 1-methyl-3-pentynyl, 1-methyl-4-pentynyl, 2-methyl-3-pentynyl, 2-methyl-4-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-pentynyl, 3-methyl-4-pentynyl, 4-methyl-1-pentynyl, 4-methyl-2-pentynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butynyl, 1-ethyl-2-butynyl, 1-ethyl-3-butynyl, 2-ethyl-3-butynyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propynyl and the like;

The term “C₂-C₁₀-haloalkynyl” as used herein, which is also expressed as “C₁-C₁₀-alkynyl which is partially or fully halogenated”, and the haloalkynyl moieties in haloalkynyloxy, haloalkynylcarbonyl and the like refers to unsaturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 4 (“C₂-C₄-haloalkynyl”), 3 to 4 (“C₃-C₄-haloalkynyl”), 2 to 6 (“C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl”), 3 to 6 (“C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl”), 2 to 8 (“C₂-C₈-haloalkynyl”), 3 to 8 (“C₃-C₈-haloalkynyl”), 2 to 10 (“C₂-C₁₀-haloalkynyl”) or 3 to 10 (“C₃-C₁₀-haloalkynyl”) carbon atoms and one or two triple bonds in any position (as mentioned above), where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above, in particular fluorine, chlorine and bromine;

The term “C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl” as used herein refers to mono- or bi- or polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon radicals having 3 to 8, in particular 3 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl”). Examples of monocyclic radicals having 3 to 6 carbon atoms comprise cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. Examples of monocyclic radicals having 3 to 8 carbon atoms comprise cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl. Examples of bicyclic radicals having 7 or 8 carbon atoms comprise bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl and bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl.

The term “C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl” as used herein, which is also expressed as “C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which is partially or fully halogenated”, and the halocycloalkyl moieties in halocycloalkoxy, halocycloalkylcarbonyl and the like refers to mono- or bi- or polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 8 (“C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl”) or preferably 3 to 6 (“C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl”) carbon ring members (as mentioned above) in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above, in particular fluorine, chlorine and bromine.

The term “C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl” refers to a C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl group as defined above which is bound to the remainder of the molecule via a C₁-C₄-alkyl group, as defined above. Examples are cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopropylethyl, cyclopropylpropyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclobutylethyl, cyclobutylpropyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cycloppentylethyl, cyclopentylpropyl, cyclohexylmethyl, cyclohexylethyl, cyclohexylpropyl, and the like.

The term “C₁-C₂-alkoxy” is a C₁-C₂-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. The term “C₁-C₄-alkoxy” is a C₁-C₄-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. The term “C₁-C₆-alkoxy” is a C₁-C₆-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. The term “C₁-C₁₀-alkoxy” is a C₁-C₁₀-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. C₁-C₂-Alkoxy is methoxy or ethoxy. C₁-C₄-Alkoxy is additionally, for example, n-propoxy, 1-methylethoxy (isopropoxy), butoxy, 1-methylpropoxy (sec-butoxy), 2-methylpropoxy (isobutoxy) or 1,1-dimethylethoxy (tertbutoxy). C₁-C₆-Alkoxy is additionally, for example, pentoxy, 1-methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 1,1-dimethylpropoxy, 1,2-dimethylpropoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy, hexoxy, 1-methylpentoxy, 2-methylpentoxy, 3-methylpentoxy, 4-methylpentoxy, 1,1-dimethylbutoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy, 1,3-dimethylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylbutoxy, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy, 3,3-dimethylbutoxy, 1-ethylbutoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy, 1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1,2,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropoxy or 1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxy. C₁-C₈-Alkoxy is additionally, for example, heptyloxy, octyloxy, 2-ethylhexyloxy and positional isomers thereof. C₁-C₁₀-Alkoxy is additionally, for example, nonyloxy, decyloxy and positional isomers thereof.

The term “C₁-C₂-haloalkoxy” is a C₁-C₂-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. The term “C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy” is a C₁-C₄-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. The term “C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy” is a C₁-C₆-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. The term “C₁-C₁₀-haloalkoxy” is a C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom. C₁-C₂-Haloalkoxy is, for example, OCH₂F, OCHF₂, OCF₃, OCH₂Cl, OCHCl₂, OCCl₃, chlorofluoromethoxy, dichlorofluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy, 2-bromoethoxy, 2-iodoethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy or OC₂F₅. C₁-C₄-Haloalkoxy is additionally, for example, 2-fluoropropoxy, 3-fluoropropoxy, 2,2-difluoropropoxy, 2,3-difluoropropoxy, 2-chloropropoxy, 3-chloropropoxy, 2,3-dichloropropoxy, 2-bromopropoxy, 3-bromopropoxy, 3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy, 3,3,3-trichloropropoxy, OCH₂—C₂F₅, OCF₂—C₂F₅, 1-(CH₂F)-2-fluoroethoxy, 1-(CH₂Cl)-2-chloroethoxy, 1-(CH₂Br)-2-bromoethoxy, 4-fluorobutoxy, 4-chlorobutoxy, 4-bromobutoxy or nonafluorobutoxy. C₁-C₆-Haloalkoxy is additionally, for example, 5-fluoropentoxy, 5-chloropentoxy, 5-brompentoxy, 5-iodopentoxy, undecafluoropentoxy, 6-fluorohexoxy, 6-chlorohexoxy, 6-bromohexoxy, 6-iodohexoxy or dodecafluorohexoxy.

The term “C₁-C₂-alkylthio” is a C₁-C₂-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. The term “C₁-C₄-alkylthio” is a C₁-C₄-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. The term “C₁-C₆-alkylthio” is a C₁-C₆-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. The term “C₁-C₁₀-alkylthio” is a C₁-C₁₀-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. C₁-C₂-Alkylthio is methylthio or ethylthio. C₁-C₄-Alkylthio is additionally, for example, n-propylthio, 1-methylethylthio (isopropylthio), butylthio, 1-methylpropylthio (sec-butylthio), 2-methylpropylthio (isobutylthio) or 1,1-dimethylethylthio (tert-butylthio). C₁-C₆-Alkylthio is additionally, for example, pentylthio, 1-methylbutylthio, 2-methylbutylthio, 3-methylbutylthio, 1,1-dimethylpropylthio, 1,2-dimethylpropylthio, 2,2-dimethylpropylthio, 1-ethylpropylthio, hexylthio, 1-methylpentylthio, 2-methylpentylthio, 3-methylpentylthio, 4-methylpentylthio, 1,1-dimethylbutylthio, 1,2-dimethylbutylthio, 1,3-dimethylbutylthio, 2,2-dimethylbutylthio, 2,3-dimethylbutylthio, 3,3-dimethylbutylthio, 1-ethylbutylthio, 2-ethylbutylthio, 1,1,2-trimethylpropylthio, 1,2,2-trimethylpropylthio, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropylthio or 1-ethyl-2-methylpropylthio. C₁-C₈-Alkylthio is additionally, for example, heptylthio, octylthio, 2-ethylhexylthio and positional isomers thereof. C₁-C₁₀-Alkylthio is additionally, for example, nonylthio, decylthio and positional isomers thereof.

The term “C₁-C₂-haloalkylthio” is a C₁-C₂-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. The term “C₁-C₄-haloalkylthio” is a C₁-C₄-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. The term “C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio” is a C₁-C₆-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. The term “C₁-C₁₀-haloalkylthio” is a C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfur atom. C₁-C₂-Haloalkylthio is, for example, SCH₂F, SCHF₂, SCF₃, SCH₂Cl, SCHC₂, SCCl₃, chlorofluoromethylthio, dichlorofluoromethylthio, chlorodifluoromethylthio, 2-fluoroethylthio, 2-chloroethylthio, 2-bromoethylthio, 2-iodoethylthio, 2,2-difluoroethylthio, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylthio, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethylthio, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylthio, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethylthio, 2,2,2-trichloroethylthio or SC₂F₅. C₁-C₄-Haloalkylthio is additionally, for example, 2-fluoropropylthio, 3-fluoropropylthio, 2,2-difluoropropylthio, 2,3-difluoropropylthio, 2-chloropropylthio, 3-chloropropylthio, 2,3-dichloropropylthio, 2-bromopropylthio, 3-bromopropylthio, 3,3,3-trifluoropropylthio, 3,3,3-trichloropropylthio, SCH₂—C₂F₅, SCF₂—C₂F₅, 1-(CH₂F)-2-fluoroethylthio, 1-(CH₂Cl)-2-chloroethylthio, 1-(CH₂Br)-2-bromoethylthio, 4-fluorobutylthio, 4-chlorobutylthio, 4-bromobutylthio or nonafluorobutylthio. C₁-C₆-Haloalkylthio is additionally, for example, 5-fluoropentylthio, 5-chloropentylthio, 5-brompentylthio, 5-iodopentylthio, undecafluoropentylthio, 6-fluorohexylthio, 6-chlorohexylthio, 6-bromohexylthio, 6-iodohexylthio or dodecafluorohexylthio.

The term “C₁-C₂-alkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₂-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. The term “C₁-C₄-alkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₄-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. The term “C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₆-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. The term “C₁-C₁₀-alkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₁₀-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. C₁-C₂-Alkylsulfinyl is methylsulfinyl or ethylsulfinyl. C₁-C₄-Alkylsulfinyl is additionally, for example, n-propylsulfinyl, 1-methylethylsulfinyl (isopropylsulfinyl), butylsulfinyl, 1-methylpropylsulfinyl (sec-butylsulfinyl), 2-methylpropylsulfinyl (isobutylsulfinyl) or 1,1-dimethylethylsulfinyl (tert-butylsulfinyl). C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfinyl is additionally, for example, pentylsulfinyl, 1-methylbutylsulfinyl, 2-methylbutylsulfinyl, 3-methylbutylsulfinyl, 1,1-dimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1,2-dimethylpropylsulfinyl, 2,2-dimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1-ethylpropylsulfinyl, hexylsulfinyl, 1-methylpentylsulfinyl, 2-methylpentylsulfinyl, 3-methylpentylsulfinyl, 4-methylpentylsulfinyl, 1,1-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 1,2-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 1,3-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 2,2-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 2,3-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 3,3-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 1-ethylbutylsulfinyl, 2-ethylbutylsulfinyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropylsulfinyl or 1-ethyl-2-methylpropylsulfinyl. C₁-C₈-Alkylsulfinyl is additionally, for example, heptylsulfinyl, octylsulfinyl, 2-ethylhexylsulfinyl and positional isomers thereof. C₁-C₁₀-Alkylsulfinyl is additionally, for example, nonylsulfinyl, decylsulfinyl and positional isomers thereof.

The term “C₁-C₂-haloalkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₂-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. The term “C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₄-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. The term “C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₆-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. The term “C₁-C₁₀-haloalkylsulfinyl” is a C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfinyl [S(O)] group. C₁-C₂-Haloalkylsulfinyl is, for example, S(O)CH₂F, S(O)CHF₂, S(O)CF₃, S(O)CH₂Cl, S(O)CHCl₂, S(O)CCl₃, chlorofluoromethylsulfinyl, dichlorofluoromethylsulfinyl, chlorodifluoromethylsulfinyl, 2-fluoroethylsulfinyl, 2-chloroethylsulfinyl, 2-bromoethylsulfinyl, 2-iodoethylsulfinyl, 2,2-difluoroethylsulfinyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethylsulfinyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylsulfinyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethylsulfinyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethylsulfinyl or S(O)C₂F₅. C₁-C₄-Haloalkylsulfinyl is additionally, for example, 2-fluoropropylsulfinyl, 3-fluoropropylsulfinyl, 2,2-difluoropropylsulfinyl, 2,3-difluoropropylsulfinyl, 2-chloropropylsulfinyl, 3-chloropropylsulfinyl, 2,3-dichloropropylsulfinyl, 2-bromopropylsulfinyl, 3-bromopropylsulfinyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropylsulfinyl, 3,3,3-trichloropropylsulfinyl, S(O)CH₂—C₂F₅, S(O)CF₂—C₂F₅, 1-(CH₂F)-2-fluoroethylsulfinyl, 1-(CH₂Cl)-2-chloroethylsulfinyl, 1-(CH₂Br)-2-bromoethylsulfinyl, 4-fluorobutylsulfinyl, 4-chlorobutylsulfinyl, 4-bromobutylsulfinyl or nonafluorobutylsulfinyl. C₁-C₆-Haloalkylsulfinyl is additionally, for example, 5-fluoropentylsulfinyl, 5-chloropentylsulfinyl, 5-brompentylsulfinyl, 5-iodopentylsulfinyl, undecafluoropentylsulfinyl, 6-fluorohexylsulfinyl, 6-chlorohexylsulfinyl, 6-bromohexylsulfinyl, 6-iodohexylsulfinyl or dodecafluorohexylsulfinyl.

The term “C₁-C₂-alkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₂-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. The term “C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₄-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. The term “C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₆-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. The term “C₁-C₁₀-alkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₁₀-alkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. C₁-C₂-Alkylsulfonyl is methylsulfonyl or ethylsulfonyl. C₁-C₄-Alkylsulfonyl is additionally, for example, n-propylsulfonyl, 1-methylethylsulfonyl (isopropylsulfonyl), butylsulfonyl, 1-methylpropylsulfonyl (sec-butylsulfonyl), 2-methylpropylsulfonyl (isobutylsulfonyl) or 1,1-dimethylethylsulfonyl (tert-butylsulfonyl). C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfonyl is additionally, for example, pentylsulfonyl, 1-methylbutylsulfonyl, 2-methylbutylsulfonyl, 3-methylbutylsulfonyl, 1,1-dimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1,2-dimethylpropylsulfonyl, 2,2-dimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1-ethylpropylsulfonyl, hexylsulfonyl, 1-methylpentylsulfonyl, 2-methylpentylsulfonyl, 3-methylpentylsulfonyl, 4-methylpentylsulfonyl, 1,1-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 1,2-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 1,3-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 2,2-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 2,3-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 3,3-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 1-ethylbutylsulfonyl, 2-ethylbutylsulfonyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropylsulfonyl or 1-ethyl-2-methylpropylsulfonyl. C₁-C₈-Alkylsulfonyl is additionally, for example, heptylsulfonyl, octylsulfonyl, 2-ethylhexylsulfonyl and positional isomers thereof. C₁-C₁₀-Alkylsulfonyl is additionally, for example, nonylsulfonyl, decylsulfonyl and positional isomers thereof.

The term “C₁-C₂-haloalkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₂-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. The term “C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₄-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. The term “C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₆-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. The term “C₁-C₁₀-haloalkylsulfonyl” is a C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl group, as defined above, attached via a sulfonyl [S(O)₂] group. C₁-C₂-Haloalkylsulfonyl is, for example, S(O)₂CH₂F, S(O)₂CHF₂, S(O)₂CF₃, S(O)₂CH₂Cl, S(O)₂CHCl₂, S(O)₂CCO₃, chlorofluoromethylsulfonyl, dichlorofluoromethylsulfonyl, chlorodifluoromethylsulfonyl, 2-fluoroethylsulfonyl, 2-chloroethylsulfonyl, 2-bromoethylsulfonyl, 2-iodoethylsulfonyl, 2,2-difluoroethylsulfonyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethylsulfonyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylsulfonyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethylsulfonyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethylsulfonyl or S(O)₂C₂F₅. C₁-C₄-Haloalkylsulfonyl is additionally, for example, 2-fluoropropylsulfonyl, 3-fluoropropylsulfonyl, 2,2-difluoropropylsulfonyl, 2,3-difluoropropylsulfonyl, 2-chloropropylsulfonyl, 3-chloropropylsulfonyl, 2,3-dichloropropylsulfonyl, 2-bromopropylsulfonyl, 3-bromopropylsulfonyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropylsulfonyl, 3,3,3-trichloropropylsulfonyl, S(O)₂CH₂—C₂F₅, S(O)₂CF₂—C₂F₅, 1-(CH₂F)-2-fluoroethylsulfonyl, 1-(CH₂Cl)-2-chloroethylsulfonyl, 1-(CH₂Br)-2-bromoethylsulfonyl, 4-fluorobutylsulfonyl, 4-chlorobutylsulfonyl, 4-bromobutylsulfonyl or nonafluorobutylsulfonyl. C₁-C₆-Haloalkylsulfonyl is additionally, for example, 5-fluoropentylsulfonyl, 5-chloropentylsulfonyl, 5-brompentylsulfonyl, 5-iodopentylsulfonyl, undecafluoropentylsulfonyl, 6-fluorohexylsulfonyl, 6-chlorohexylsulfonyl, 6-bromohexylsulfonyl, 6-iodohexylsulfonyl or dodecafluorohexylsulfonyl.

The term “3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members” as used herein refers to monocyclic radicals, the monocyclic radicals being saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic. The heterocyclic radical may be attached to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon ring member or via a nitrogen ring member.

Examples of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated heterocyclyl include:

Oxiranyl, aziridinyl, oxetidinyl (radical of trimethylene oxide), thietidinyl (radical of trimethylene sulfide), azetidinyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, 3-tetrahydrofuranyl, 1,3-dioxolane-2-yl, 1,3-dioxolane-4-yl, 2-tetrahydrothienyl, 3-tetrahydrothienyl, 1,3-thiolane-2-yl, 1,3-dithiolane-4-yl, 1-thia-3-oxolan-2-yl, 1-thia-3-oxolan-4-yl, 1-thia-3-oxolan-5-yl, 2-thiolyl-1,1-dioxide, 3-thiolyl-1,1-dioxide, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrazolidinyl, 4-pyrazolidinyl, 5-pyrazolidinyl, 2-imidazolidinyl, 4-imidazolidinyl, 2-oxazolidinyl, 4-oxazolidinyl, 5-oxazolidinyl, 3-isoxazolidinyl, 4-isoxazolidinyl, 5-isoxazolidinyl, 2-thiazolidinyl, 4-thiazolidinyl, 5-thiazolidinyl, 3-isothiazolidinyl, 4-isothiazolidinyl, 5-isothiazolidinyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-3-yl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-5-yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolidin-3-yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolidin-5-yl, 1,2,4-triazolidin-3-yl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolidin-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolidin-2-yl, 1,3,4-triazolidin-2-yl, 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 3-tetrahydropyranyl, 4-tetrahydropyranyl, 1,3-dioxan-2-yl, 1,3-dioxan-4-yl, 1,3-dioxan-5-yl, 1,4-dioxan-2-yl, 2-thianyl, 3-thianyl, 4-thianyl, 1,3-dithian-2-yl, 1,3-dithian-4-yl, 1,3-dithian-5-yl, 1,4-dithian-2-yl, 1-oxa-3-thian-2-yl, 1-oxa-3-thian-4-yl, 1-oxa-3-thian-5-yl, 1-oxa-3-thian-6-yl, 1-oxa-4-thian-2-yl, 1-oxa-4-thian-3-yl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, 3-hexahydropyridazinyl, 4-hexahydropyridazinyl, 2-hexahydropyrimidinyl, 4-hexahydropyrimidinyl, 5-hexahydropyrimidinyl, 2-piperazinyl, 1,3,5-hexahydrotriazin-2-yl and 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazin-3-yl, 2-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, 2-thiomorpholinyl, 3-thiomorpholinyl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-2-yl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-3-yl, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-2-yl, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-3-yl, hexahydroazepin-1-, -2-, -3- or -4-yl, hexahydrooxepinyl, hexahydro-1,3-diazepinyl, hexahydro-1,4-diazepinyl, hexahydro-1,3-oxazepinyl, hexahydro-1,4-oxazepinyl, hexahydro-1,3-dioxepinyl, hexahydro-1,4-dioxepinyl and the like.

Examples of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered partially unsaturated heterocyclyl include: 2,3-dihydrofur-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrofur-3-yl, 2,4-dihydrofur-2-yl, 2,4-dihydrofur-3-yl, 2,3-dihydrothien-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrothien-3-yl, 2,4-dihydrothien-2-yl, 2,4-dihydrothien-3-yl, 2-pyrrolin-2-yl, 2-pyrrolin-3-yl, 3-pyrrolin-2-yl, 3-pyrrolin-3-yl, 2-isoxazolin-3-yl, 3-isoxazolin-3-yl, 4-isoxazolin-3-yl, 2-isoxazolin-4-yl, 3-isoxazolin-4-yl, 4-isoxazolin-4-yl, 2-isoxazolin-5-yl, 3-isoxazolin-5-yl, 4-isoxazolin-5-yl, 2-isothiazolin-3-yl, 3-isothiazolin-3-yl, 4-isothiazolin-3-yl, 2-isothiazolin-4-yl, 3-isothiazolin-4-yl, 4-isothiazolin-4-yl, 2-isothiazolin-5-yl, 3-isothiazolin-5-yl, 4-isothiazolin-5-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-1-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-3-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-4-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-5-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-1-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-3-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-4-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-5-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-3-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-4-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-5-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-5-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-5-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-di- or tetrahydropyridinyl, 3-di- or tetrahydropyridazinyl, 4-di- or tetrahydropyridazinyl, 2-di- or tetrahydropyrimidinyl, 4-di- or tetrahydropyrimidinyl, 5-di- or tetrahydropyrimidinyl, di- or tetrahydropyrazinyl, 1,3,5-di- or tetrahydrotriazin-2-yl, 1,2,4-di- or tetrahydrotriazin-3-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro[1H]azepin-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro[2H]azepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,4,7-tetrahydro[1H]azepin-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro[1H]azepin-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, tetrahydrooxepinyl, such as 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro[1H]oxepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,4,7-tetrahydro[1H]oxepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro[1H]oxepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-diazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,4-diazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,3-oxazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,4-oxazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,3-dioxepinyl and tetrahydro-1,4-dioxepinyl.

3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered aromatic heterocyclyl is 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclyl (hetaryl). Examples are: 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 4-pyrazolyl, 5-pyrazolyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 1,3,4-triazol-2-yl, 2-pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyl, 4-pyridinyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl and 2-pyrazinyl.

C₂-C₇-alkylene is divalent branched or preferably unbranched saturated aliphatic chain having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, for example CH₂CH₂, —CH(CH₃)—, CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH(CH₃)CH₂, CH₂CH(CH₃), CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, and CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂

In the definition of the ligands in the catalyst (see below), the following definitions apply for the generic terms, if not yet mentioned above:

The expression “alkyl” refers to straight-chain and branched alkyl groups. These are preferably straight-chain or branched C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, more preferably C₁-C₁₂-alkyl, particularly preferably C₁-C₈-alkyl and very particularly preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl groups. Examples of alkyl groups are, in particular, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 2-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 2-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, n-heptyl, 2-heptyl, 3-heptyl, 2-ethylpentyl, 1-propylbutyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, nonyl, decyl.

The expression “substituted alkyl” encompasses substituted alkyl groups which bear one or more, for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, preferably 1, 2 or 3 substituents and particularly preferably 1 substituent, selected for example from among cycloalkyl, aryl, hetaryl, halogen, NE¹E², NE¹E²E³⁺X⁻, COOH, carboxylate, —SO₃H and sulfonate (if not specified otherwise). E¹, E² and E³ are identical or different radicals selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl and aryl; and X⁻ is an anion equivalent.

In the definition of the ligands, the expression “alkylene” refers to straight-chain or branched alkanediyl groups having for example from 1 to 8, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The expression “cycloalkyl” encompasses C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl groups, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclopdecyl, cycloundecyl and cyclodocecyl, preferably C₅-C₇-cycloalkyl groups such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl. Substituted cycloalkyl bears one or more, for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, preferably 1, 2 or 3 substituents and particularly preferably 1 substituent, selected from among alkyl, alkoxy and halogen (if not specified otherwise).

The expression “heterocycloalkyl” or “heterocyclyl” refers to saturated, cycloaliphatic groups which generally have from 4 to 7, preferably 5 or 6, ring atoms and in which 1, 2, 3 or 4 of the ring carbons are replaced by heteroatoms selected from among the elements oxygen, nitrogen (nitrogen may be present, for example, as NR or NO, where R is H or a group different therefrom, e.g. alkyl, alkoxy, CN, a group bound via CO etc.) and sulfur (sulfur may be present, for example, as S, SO or SO₂). Substituted heterocyclyl bears one or more substituents, for example 1, 2 or 3 substituents, preferably 1 or 2 substituents, particularly preferably 1 substituent, for example selected from among alkyl, aryl, COOR^(f), COO⁻M⁺ and NE¹E², preferably alkyl (if not specified otherwise). Examples of heterocycloaliphatic groups are tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl.

The expression “aryl” encompasses carbocyclic aromatic ring systems and preferably refers to phenyl, naphthyl, fluorenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl or naphthacenyl, particularly preferably phenyl or naphthyl. Substituted aryl bears one or more substituents, for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, preferably 1, 2 or 3 substituents and particularly preferably 1 substituent, selected from among alkyl, alkoxy, carboxyl, carboxylate, trifluoromethyl, —SO₃H, sulfonate, NE¹E², alkylene-NE¹E², nitro, cyano and halogen (if not specified otherwise). Specific examples of substituted aryl are tolyl, xylyl and mesityl.

The expression “hetaryl” encompasses, for the purposes of the present invention, 5- to 14-membered, preferably 5- to 10-membered mono- or polycyclic heterocycloaromatic groups comprising 1, 2, 3 or 4 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N as ring members. Examples are furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzopyrazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinacridinyl, benzindolyl, acridinyl, xanthenyl, phenanthrolinyl and the like. Substituted hetaryl bears one or more, for example 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected for example from among alkyl, alkoxy, carboxyl, carboxylate, —SO₃H, sulfonate, NE¹E², alkylene-NE¹E², trifluoromethyl and halogen (if not specified otherwise).

The term “polycyclyl” relates to condenced carbocyclic saturated ring systems, the term “condensed” also comprising spiro-annelated systems. Examples are norbornane, [2,2,2]-bicyclooctane, tetraline, adamantyl and the like.

Carboxylate and sulfonate are preferably derivatives of a carboxylic acid function and a sulfonic acid function, respectively, in particular a metal carboxylate or sulfonate, a carboxylic ester or sulfonic ester function or a carbonamide or sulfonamide function. These include, for example, the esters of C₁-C₄-alkanols such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol and tert-butanol. They also include the primary amides and their N-alkyl and N,N-dialkyl derivatives.

What has been said above with regard to the expressions “alkyl”, “cycloalkyl”, “aryl”, “heterocycloalkyl” and “hetaryl” applies correspondingly to the expressions “alkoxy”, “cycloalkoxy”, “aryloxy”, “heterocycloalkoxy” and “hetaryloxy”.

The expression “acyl” refers to alkanoyl or aroyl groups generally having from 2 to 11, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, for example the acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, 2-ethylhexanoyl, 2-propylheptanoyl, benzoyl or naphthoyl group.

The groups NE¹E² and NE²²E²³ are preferably N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino, N,N-dipropylamino, N,N-diisopropylamino, N,N-di-n-butylamino, N,N-di-t-butylamino, N,N-dicyclohexylamino or N,N-diphenylamino.

Halogen is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine, chlorine or bromine.

M⁺ is a cation equivalent, i.e. a monovalent cation or the proportion of a polyvalent cation corresponding to a simple positive charge. The cation M⁺ serves only as counterion to neutralize negatively charged substituent groups such as COO⁻ or sulfonate groups and can in principle be chosen freely. Preference is therefore given to using alkali metal ions, in particular Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺ ions, or onium ions such as ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, tetraalkylammonium, phosphonium, tetraalkylphosphonium or tetraarylphosphonium ions.

Analogously, the anion equivalent X⁻ serves only as counterion to balance positively charged substituent groups, e.g. ammonium groups, and can be selected freely from among monovalent anions and the proportions of polyvalent anions corresponding to a single negative charge. Examples of suitable anions are halide ions X⁻, e.g. chloride and bromide. Preferred anions are sulfate and sulfonate, e.g. SO₄ ²⁻, tosylate, trifluoromethanesulfonate and methylsulfonate.

Fused ring systems can be aromatic, hydroaromatic and cyclic compounds linked by fusion. Fused ring systems consist of two, three or more rings. Depending on the way in which the rings of fused ring systems are linked, a distinction is made between orthofusion, i.e. each ring shares an edge or two atoms with each adjacent ring, and perifusion in which one carbon atom belongs to more than two rings. Among fused ring systems, preference is given to ortho-fused ring systems.

The remarks made below concerning preferred embodiments of the processes of the invention, the catalyst used therein, the reaction conditions and also of compounds of formulae I, II and III, especially with respect to their substituents Z, X, Y, A¹, A², A³, A⁴, B¹, B², B³, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, m, n, p and q, are valid both on their own and, in particular, in every possible combination with each other. The remarks made below apply to both processes A and B.

As a matter of course, the q radicals R⁵ replace a hydrogen atom on a carbon ring atom. For instance, if B¹, B² or B³ is defined to be CH and if this position is to be substituted by a radical R⁵, then B¹, B² or B³ is of course C—R⁵. If there is more than one radical R⁵, these can be the same or different.

As a matter of course, the p radicals R⁴ replace a hydrogen atom on a carbon ring atom. For instance, if A¹, A², A³ or A⁴ is defined to be CH and if this position is to be substituted by a radical R⁴, then A¹, A², A³ or A⁴ is of course C—R⁴. If there is more than one radical R⁴, these can be the same or different.

Compounds I, II and III are principally known from WO 2010/072781.

In compounds II, Z is preferably selected from Br, I and —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is as defined above. Preferably, R^(z1) is selected from CH₃, CF₃ and 4-methylphenyl (p-tolyl).

Thus, Z is more preferably selected from Br, I and —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is selected from CH₃, CF₃ and 4-methylphenyl (p-tolyl). In particular, Z is Br.

In the processes of the invention, carbon monoxide and hydrogen are used in a molar ratio of preferably from 100:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:10, even more preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, in particular from 2:1 to 1:2 and specifically of about 1:1. Very specifically, synthesis gas is used.

Carbon monoxide and hydrogen may be introduced into the reaction separately or as a mixture. Preferably they are introduced as a mixture, especially in the form of synthesis gas.

The catalyst used in the processes of the invention is preferably a complex compound of a transition metal of group VIII of the periodic system of elements. Among these metals, preference is given to Pd, Pt, Ni, R^(h), Ir and Ru; Pd being particularly preferred.

The complex compound contains, apart the central transition metal, one or more ligands. Preferred ligands are mono- or bidentate ligands.

More preferred complexes comprise at least one phosphorus-containing compound as ligand. The phosphorus-containing compounds are preferably selected from among PF₃, phosphols, phosphabenzenes, monodentate, bidentate and polydentate phosphine, phosphinite, phosphonite, phosphoramidite and phosphite ligands and mixtures thereof.

More preferred are P(III)-containing compounds. Even more preferred ligands are mono- or bidentate phosphorus-containing ligands; preferably mono- or bidentate P(III)-containing ligands. In one embodiment, particularly preferred are bidentate P-containing ligands, especially bidentate P(III)-containing ligands. In an alternative embodiment, particularly preferred are monodentate P-containing ligands, especially monodentate P(III)-containing ligands.

Suitable phosphorus-containing ligands are described, for example, in Beller, J. Molecular Catalysis, A, 104, 1995, 17-85.

Monodentate phosphorus-containing ligands are preferably selected from phosphorus compounds of formula PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c) where

-   R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c), independently of each other, are selected     from C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-alkoxy, where the alkyl moieties in the 2     last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents R^(d);     C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocyclyl,     heterocyclyloxy, C₄-C₁₈-polycyclyl, C₅-C₁₈-polycyclyloxy, aryl,     aryloxy, hetaryl and hetaryloxy, where the cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl,     polycyclyl, aryl and hetaryl moieties in the 10 last-mentioned     radicals may carry 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents R^(e);     -   or     -   R^(a) and R^(b) together with the phosphorus atom to which they         are bound form a 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered heterocyclic ring         which may be additionally fused to one, two or three         C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-heterocyclyl, aryl or hetaryl groups,         where the heterocyclic ring and, if present, the fused-on groups         may each independently carry one, two, three or four         substituents R^(e);     -   each R^(d) is independently selected from C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl,         C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aryl,         aryloxy, hetaryl, hetaryloxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, OH, SH, COOH,         carboxylate, SO₃H, sulfonate, NE¹E², NE¹E²E³⁺X⁻, halogen, nitro,         acyl and cyano;     -   each R^(e) is independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocyclyl,         heterocyclyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, hetaryl, hetaryloxy,         C₁-C₆-alkoxy, OH, SH, COOH, carboxylate, SO₃H, sulfonate, NE¹E²,         NE¹E²E³⁺X⁻, halogen, nitro, acyl and cyano;         -   E¹, E² and E³ are identical or different radicals selected             from hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl and aryl; and         -   X⁻ is an anion equivalent.

In preferred monodentate phosphorus-containing ligands of formula PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), at least one of R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) comprises a cyclic group, i.e. is selected from C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, C₅-C₁₈-polycyclyl, C₅-C₈-polycyclyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, hetaryl and hetaryloxy which may be substituted as defined above. Preferred radicals R^(e) are selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c), independently of each other, are preferably selected from C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl and phenoxy, where the cyclohexyl, adamantyl and phenyl moiety in the 4 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy. More preferably, at least one of R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) is selected from cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl and phenoxy, which may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

Even more preferably, at least one of R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) is selected from cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl and phenoxy, which may be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 radicals R^(e) selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy, and the remaining radicals R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) are selected from C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl and phenoxy, where the cyclohexyl, adamantyl and phenyl moiety in the 4 last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 radicals R^(e) selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

Specific monodentate phosphorus-containing ligands are selected from tricyclohexyl phosphine (R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) are cyclohexyl), butyl-di-(1-adamantanyl)-phosphine (R^(a) and R^(b) are 1-adamantanyl, and R^(c) is n-butyl), triphenylphosphine (R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) are phenyl), triphenylphosphite (R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) are phenoxy), tri-(2-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-phosphite (R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) are 2-tert-butyl-4-methoxy-phenoxy) and 2,6-bis(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-1-octyl-4-phenylphophacyclohexan.

Bidentate phosphorus-containing ligands are preferably selected from phosphorus compounds of formula

where

-   X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵, independently of each other and independently     of each occurrence, are selected from O, S, NR^(j) and a group     SiR^(k)R^(l), where R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l), independently of each     other, are selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl,     heterocyclyl, aryl and hetaryl; -   c, f, g, h and i are independently 0 or 1; -   R^(f), R^(g), R^(h) and R^(i), independently of each other, are     selected from C₃-C₁₂-alkyl which may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents     R^(d); C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, C₅-C₈-polycyclyl, aryl and     hetaryl, where the cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, polycyclyl, aryl and     hetaryl moieties in the 5 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2, 3     or 4 substituents R^(e);     -   where R^(d) and R^(e) are as defined above (as for the         monodentate P-compounds); or     -   in case X¹ and X² are O or NR^(j) and f and g are 1, R^(f)         together with R^(g) may form a C₂-C₅-alkylene group; and/or in         case X⁴ and X⁵ are O or NR^(j) and h and g are 1, R^(h) together         with R^(i) may form a C₂-C₅-alkylene group; and -   A is a bridging group.

The bridging groups A are preferably selected from divalent aliphatic groups, divalent alicyclic groups, divalent heterocyclic groups, divalent aliphatic-alicyclic groups, divalent aromatic groups, divalent araliphatic groups, divalent heteroaromatic groups, divalent heteroaromatic-aliphatic groups and divalent metallocene groups.

Divalent aliphatic radicals are those which contain no cycloaliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic constituents. Examples are alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylene radicals.

Divalent alicyclic radicals may contain one or more, e.g., one or two, alicyclic radicals; however, they contain no (hetero)aromatic or heterocyclic constituents. The alicyclic radicals may be substituted by aliphatic radicals, but bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups are located on the alicyclic radical.

Divalent aliphatic-alicyclic radicals contain not only at least one divalent aliphatic radical but also at least one divalent alicyclic radical, the two bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups possibly being located either both on the alicyclic radical(s) or both on the aliphatic radical(s) or one on an aliphatic radical and the other on an alicyclic radical.

Divalent aromatic radicals may contain one or more, e.g., one or two, aromatic radicals; however, they contain no alicyclic or heterocyclic or heteroaromatic constituents. The aromatic radicals may be substituted by aliphatic and other radicals, but both bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups are located on the aromatic radical(s).

Divalent araliphatic radicals contain not only at least one divalent aliphatic radical but also at least one divalent aromatic radical, the two bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups possibly being located either both on the aromatic radical(s) or both on the aliphatic radical(s) or one on an aliphatic radical and the other on an aromatic radical.

Divalent heteroaromatic radicals may contain one or more, e.g., one or two, heteroaromatic radicals; however, they contain no alicyclic or heterocyclic constituents. The heteroaromatic radicals may be substituted by aliphatic and other radicals, but both bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups are located on the heteroaromatic radical(s).

Divalent heteroaromatic-aliphatic radicals contain not only at least one divalent aliphatic radical but also at least one divalent heteroaromatic radical, the two bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups possibly being located either both on the heteroaromatic radical(s) or both on the aliphatic radical(s) or one on an aliphatic radical and the other on an heteroaromatic radical.

In divalent metallocene groups, the two bonding sites for the (X³)_(c)-groups are located on one of the two aromatic rings or, preferably, on the two aromatic rings.

Preferred divalent aliphatic radicals A are linear or branched C₂-C₂₀-alkylene, more preferably linear or branched C₂-C₁₀-alkylene, even more preferably linear or branched C₂-C₈-alkylene and in particular linear or branched C₂-C₆-alkylene.

Examples of suitable C₂-C₂₀-alkylene radicals are 1,2-ethylenediyl, 1,2- and 1,3-propanediyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl, 1,5-pentanediyl, hexamethylene, heptamethylene, octamethylene, nonamethylene, decamethylene, undecamethylene, dodecamethylene, tridecamethylene, tetradecamethylene, pentadecamethylene, hexadecamethylene, heptadecamethylene, octadecamethylene, nonadecamethylene, eicosamethylene, 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,5-pentamethylene, 2,2,4- or 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexamethylene, 2-methylpentane-1,5-diyl, and 4-methylpentane-1,4-diyl, and the like.

Examples of suitable C₂-C₁₀-alkylene radicals are 1,2-ethylenediyl, 1,2- and 1,3-propanediyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl, 1,5-pentanediyl, hexamethylene, heptamethylene, octamethylene, nonamethylene, decamethylene, 2,2,4- or 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexamethylene, 2-methylpentane-1,5-diyl, and 4-methylpentane-1,4-diyl, and the like.

Examples of suitable C₂-C₈-alkylene radicals are 1,2-ethylenediyl, 1,2- and 1,3-propanediyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl, 1,5-pentanediyl, hexamethylene, heptamethylene, octamethylene, 2-methylpentane-1,5-diyl, and 4-methylpentane-1,4-diyl, and the like.

Examples of suitable C₂-C₆-alkylene radicals are 1,2-ethylenediyl, 1,2- and 1,3-propanediyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl, 1,5-pentanediyl, hexamethylene, 2-methylpentane-1,5-diyl, and 4-methylpentane-1,4-diyl, and the like.

Preferred divalent alicyclic radicals A are selected from optionally substituted C₅-C₈-cycloalkylene, optionally substituted C₅-C₈-cycloalkenylene, optionally substituted C₅-C₈-bicycloalkylene and optionally substituted C₅-C₈-bicycloalkenylene.

Examples of suitable C₅-C₈-cycloalkylene and C₅-C₈-cycloalkenylene diradicals are cyclopentanediyl, such as 1,2- or 1,3-cyclopentanediyl, cyclopentenediyl, such as cyclopent-1-ene-1,2-diyl, cyclopent-1-ene-1,3-diyl, cyclopent-1-ene-1,4-diyl, cyclopent-1-ene-1,5-diyl, cyclopent-1-ene-3,4-diyl or cyclopent-1-ene-3,5-diyl, cyclohexanediyl, such as cyclohexane-1,2-diyl, cyclohexane-1,3-diyl, or cyclohexane-1,4-diyl, cyclohexenediyl, such as cyclohex-1-ene-1,2-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-1,3-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-1,4-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-1,5-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-1,6-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-3,4-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-3,5-diyl, cyclohex-1-ene-3,6-diyl or cyclohex-1-ene-4,5-diyl, cycloheptanediyl, such as cycloheptane-1,2-diyl, cycloheptane-1,3-diyl, cycloheptane-1,4-diyl, cycloheptane-1,5-diyl, cycloheptane-1,6-diyl or cycloheptane-1,7-diyl, and cyclooctanediyl, such as cyclooctane-1,2-diyl, cyclooctane-1,3-diyl, cyclooctane-1,4-diyl, cyclooctane-1,5-diyl, cyclooctane-1,6-diyl, cyclooctane-1,7-diyl or cyclooctane-1,8-diyl.

Examples of suitable C₅-C₈-bicycloalkylene and C₅-C₈-bicycloalkenylene diradicals are norbornanediyl and norbornenediyl and heteroderivatives thereof.

Preferred divalent aliphatic-alicyclic radicals A are selected from C₅-C₈-cycloalkylene-C₁-C₄-alkylene, C₅-C₈-cycloalkylene-C₁-C₄-alkylene-C₅-C₈-cycloalkylene, and C₁-C₄-alkylene-C₅-C₈-cycloalkylene-C₁-C₄-alkylene, it being possible for the cycloalkylene radicals to be substituted.

Preferred divalent aromatic radicals A are selected from optionally substituted phenylene, optionally substituted biphenylene, optionally substituted naphthylene, optionally substituted binaphthylene, optionally substituted anthracene, optionally substituted dihydroanthracene and optionally substituted bridged dihydroanthracene, were the phenylene rings in biphenylene and the nathylene rings in binaphthylene may be bound via a bridging group.

Preferred divalent araliphatic radicals A are selected from optionally substituted phenylene-C₁-C₄-alkylene, optionally substituted phenylene-C₁-C₄-alkylene-phenylene and optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene-phenylene-C₁-C₄-alkylene.

Preferred heteroaromatic radicals are optionally substituted xanthenediyl, optionally substituted acridin-diyl, optionally substituted tetrahydroacridindiyl, optionally substituted thioxanthenediyl and the like.

Preferred divalent groups are elected from C₂-C₆-alkylene, such as 1,2-ethylene, 1,3-propylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,5-pentylene or 1,6-hexylene, ferrocene-1,1′-diyl and divalent groups selected from the formulae A.1 to A.22

where

-   R^(I), R^(I′), R^(II), R^(II′), R^(III), R^(III′), R^(IV), R^(IV′),     R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII), R^(VIII), R^(IX), R^(X), R^(XI) and R^(XII)     are independently of each another and independently of each     occurrence, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl,     heterocycloalkyl, aryl, hetaryl, hydroxy, thiol, polyalkylene oxide,     polyalkylenimine, alkoxy, halogen, SO₃H, sulfonate, NE²²E²³,     alkylene-NE²²E²³, trifluoromethyl, nitro, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl,     acyl or cyano, where E²² and E²³ are identical or different radicals     selected from among hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl, -   A^(c) and A^(d) are O, S, NR^(α) or SiR^(α)R^(β), where     -   R^(α) and R^(β) are independently of each another selected from         hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, -   or A^(c) and A^(d) are a C₁-C₄-alkylene bridge which may have a     double bond and/or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or     hetaryl substituent, -   or A^(c) and A^(d) are a C₂-C₄-alkylene bridge which is interrupted     by O, S or NR^(α) or SiR^(α)R^(β), -   where two adjacent radicals R^(I) to R^(VI) in the groups of the     formula A.2 together with the carbon atom of the benzene ring to     which they are bound may also form a fused ring system having 1, 2     or 3 further rings, -   and two geminal radicals R^(I), R^(I′); R^(II), R^(II′); R^(III),     R^(III′) and/or R^(IV), R^(IV′) in the groups of the formulae A.15     to A.19 may also form oxo or a ketal thereof, -   A^(a) and A^(b) are, independently of one another, O, S,     SiR^(α)R^(β), NR^(γ) or CR^(δ)R^(ε), where -   R^(α), R^(β) and R^(γ) are each, independently of one another,     hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, -   R^(δ) and R^(ε) are, independently of one another, hydrogen, alkyl,     cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl or the group R^(δ)     together with a further group R^(δ) or the group R^(ε) together with     a further group R^(ε) forms an intramolecular bridging group D, and -   D is either not present or is CH₂ or is CH₂CH₂.

Among these, preference is given to bridging groups A selected from C₂-C₆-alkylene, especially 1,2-ethylene, 1,3-propylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,5-pentylene and 1,6-hexylene; divalent binaphthyl groups (groups A.8 and A.9, A.8 being preferred), divalent xanthene groups (group A.1) and divalent ferrocenyl groups (where the P atoms are each bound to different cyclopentadienyl rings), where the 3 last-mentioned radicals may carry on their cyclic moieties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 radicals selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy. The xanthenediyl group is preferred.

R^(f), R^(g), R^(h) and R^(i), independently of each other, are preferably selected from C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl, phenoxy and indolyl, where the phenyl moiety in phenyl and phenoxy and the indolyl radical may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

The catalysts used according to the present invention can additionally bear at least one further ligand which is preferably selected from among halides, amines, carboxylates, acetylacetonate, arylsulfonates or alkylsulfonates, hydride, CO, olefins, dienes, cycloolefines, nitriles, N-containing heterocycles, aromatics and heteroaromatics, ethers and mixtures thereof.

Specific ligands and catalyst compounds are the following:

Among these, specific preference is given to Xanthphos as ligand.

Among these, specific preference is alternatively given to butyl-di-1-adamantyl-phosphine (cataCXium) as ligand.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is assumed that in general, the catalysts or catalyst precursors form catalytically active species of the formula H_(x)M_(y)(CO)_(z)L_(q), where M is a transition metal (preferably a metal of transition group VIII), L is a ligand (preferably a phosphorus-containing compound) and q, x, y, z are integers which depend on the valence and type of the metal and on the number of coordination sites occupied by the ligand L, under the hydroformylation conditions. z and q are preferably, independently of one another, at least 1, e.g. 1, 2 or 3. The sum of z and q is preferably from 1 to 5. The complexes can, if desired, additionally contain at least one of the above-described further ligands.

In a preferred embodiment, the catalysts are prepared in situ in the reactor used for the carbonylation reaction. However, if desired, the catalysts used according to the present invention can also be prepared separately and isolated by customary methods. To prepare the catalysts used according to the present invention in situ, it is possible, for example, to react at least one ligand, a compound or a complex of a transition metal, if desired at least one further additional ligand and, if appropriate, an activating agent in an inert solvent under the carbonylation conditions.

The catalyst is preferably produced by bringing the transition metal or a salt thereof and the ligand into contact with each other, preferably in situ. The metal is generally used as its salt, such as the chloride, bromide, sulphate, nitrate or acetate, optionally in combination with a simple (mostly solvent) ligand, such as cyclooctadiene (COD), or in form of another suitable compound, for example its oxide. For instance, Pd may be introduced as PdCl₂ or Pd(II) acetate or as PdCl₂-COD complex, etc. For instance, Pt may be used as its Pt(II) chloride, etc. For instance, rhodium may be introduced as its R^(h)(II) or R^(h)(III) salts, such as rhodium(III) chloride, rhodium(III) nitrate, rhodium(III) sulfate, potassium rhodium sulfate, rhodium(II) or rhodium(III) carboxylates, rhodium(II) and rhodium(III) acetate, rhodium(III) oxide, salts of rhodic(III) acid, trisammonium hexachlororhodate(III), etc. or as dicarbonylrhodium acetylacetonate, acetylacetonatobisethylenerhodium(I), etc. Ruthenium may be introduced as ruthenium(III) chloride, ruthenium(IV), ruthenium(VI) or ruthenium(VIII) oxide, alkali metals salts of ruthenium oxo acids such as K₂RuO₄ or KRuO₄ or complexes such as RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃, or as carbonyls of ruthenium, for example dodecacarbonyltrisruthenium or octadecacarbonylhexaruthenium or mixed forms in which CO is partly replaced by ligands of the formula PR₃, e.g. Ru(CO)₃ (PPh₃)₂. Suitable cobalt compounds are, for example, cobalt(II) chloride, cobalt(II) sulfate, cobalt(II) carbonate, cobalt(II) nitrate, their amine or hydrate complexes, cobalt carboxylates such as cobalt acetate, cobalt ethylhexanoate, cobalt naphthanoate, and also the cobalt-caproate complex. Here too, the carbonyl complexes of cobalt such as octacarbonyldicobalt, dodecacarbonyltetracobalt and hexadecacarbonylhexacobalt can be used.

The abovementioned and further suitable compounds of transition metals, especially of group VIII transition metals are known in principle and are adequately described in the literature or can be prepared by a person skilled in the art by methods analogous to those for the known compounds.

Preferably, the transition metal or its salt and the ligand are brought in a molar ratio of from 10:1 to 1:100, more preferably from 1:1 to 1:100, even more preferably from 1:1 to 1:20, particularly preferably from 1:1 to 1:10 and in particular from 1:1.5 to 1:10, e.g. 1:2 to 1:10 or 1:3 to 1:10, into contact with each other.

Preferably, the catalyst is used in such an amount that the metal is applied in an amount of from 0.001 to 10 mol-%, more preferably 0.01 to 5 mol-%, even more preferably 0.05 to 4 mol-%, and in particular 0.1 to 3 mol-%, relative to 100 mol-% of compound II.

The carbonylation reaction is preferably carried out at from 1 to 100 bar, more preferably from >1 to 50 bar, even more preferably from 1.5 to 20 bar and in particular from 2 to 15 bar.

The carbonylation reaction is preferably carried out at elevated temperature, such as to 200° C., more preferably from 50 to 170° C. and in particular from 60 to 150° C.

The carbonylation reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a base.

Suitable bases are inorganic bases, such as alkali metal hydroxides, for example lithium, sodium or potassium hydroxide, earth alkaline metal hydroxide such as magnesium or calcium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, for example lithium, sodium or potassium carbonate, earth alkaline metal carbonates such as magnesium or calcium carbonates, alkali metal hydrogencarbonates, for example lithium, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, earth alkaline metal hydrogencarbonates such as magnesium or calcium hydrogencarbonates, or ammonia, and organic bases, such as amines, for example aliphatic monoamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, dipropylamine, tripropylamine, butylamine, diethlisopropylamine and the like, aliphatic polyamines, such as ethylene diamine, propylene diamine, butylene diamine, tetramethylethylene diamine, diethylene triamine, tetraethylene triamine and the like, aromatic amines, such as diphenyl amine, alkanol amines, such as diethanol amine and triethanolamine, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, such as piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, pyridine, lutidine, picoline and the like, and alkoxides, such as sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium propoxide or potassium tert-butanolate. Among the inorganic bases, preference is given to the carbonates, especially to sodium or potassium carbonate. Among the organic bases, amines and especially aliphatic mono- and polyamines, preferably diamines, are preferred. Among organic and inorganic bases, more preference is given to organic bases, among these amines and especially aliphatic mono- and polyamines, preferably diamines, being preferred.

The base is preferably used in an amount of 0.1 to 10, more preferably 0.5 to 5, and in particular 0.5 to 2 mole equivalents, relative to 1 mole of compound II. “Equivalents” in this case refers to the fact that some bases can accept more than one proton. For example a diamine can accept two protons and thus 1 mole of diamine relative to 1 mole of compound II corresponds to two base equivalents.

The carbonylation reaction is preferably carried out in a suitable solvent. Suitable solvents are those which dissolve sufficiently the reactants and do not negatively influence the reaction. Examples are aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as pentane, hexane, heptane, octane and petrolether, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane and cyclooctane, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, the xylenes, nitrobenzene, chlorobenzene and the dichloribenzenes, chlorinated alkanes, such as dichloromethane, chloroform, chloroethane and dichloroethane, ethers, such as diethylether, dipropylether, methyl-tert-butyl ether, methylisobutyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or dioxane, ketones, such as acetone, diethylketone or cyclohexanone, esters, such as ethylacetate, propylacetate, butylacetate, ethylpropionate or propylpropionate, amides, such as dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, N-methylpyrrolidone and the like.

Alternatively, one of the above-listed amines (if this is liquid under the given reaction conditions) may be used as solvent.

However, preference is given to the above aromatic hydrocarbons and amides, toluene and DMF being specifically preferred.

The carbonylation reaction can be carried out in reaction vessels customary for such reactions, the reaction being configurable continuously, semicontinuously or batchwise.

If the carbonylation is carried out under positive pressure, it is suitably carried out in a reactor which can be pressurized, such as a pressure vessel, an autoclave or a pressurized reactor.

The reaction can for example be carried out by bringing the staring compound II, the catalyst and optionally a base in a reaction vessel into contact with each other, preferably in a solvent. The catalyst is either prepared previously in a separate step or acquired commercially, or is preferably prepared in situ by bringing a suitable transition metal compound, preferably a salt thereof, in the reaction vessel into contact with the desired ligand. Then hydrogen and carbon monoxide are introduced in the desired ratio until the desired pressure is reached. Alternatively, the desired pressure, if it is excess pressure, can also be obtained by introducing an inert gas, such as nitrogen, so that hydrogen and carbon can be used in a smaller amount without being wasted for the production of the required pressure. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be introduced either separately or as a mixture. The whole amount of hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be introduced from the beginning or the gases can be introduced by degrees during a part or the whole duration of the reaction, for example depending on consumption. The reaction is heated to the desired reaction temperature. Heating can be started yet during the mixing of the compound II, the catalyst and the optional base, during the introduction of hydrogen and carbon monoxide or only after all reagents (inclusive hydrogen and carbon monoxide) are present in the reaction vessel.

After completion of the reaction, the reaction vessel is generally cooled, if necessary, depressurized, if necessary, and the product is worked-up by customary methods, if desired, such as removing the catalyst, neutralizing optionally present amine, removing the solvent and if desired subjecting the obtained product to a purification step, such as chromatographic methods, recrystallization, extraction and the like.

For the production of compound III in process B, the carbonyl compound I obtained in the carbonylation reaction is converted into the imine compound III.

In case R¹ in compound III is H, compound I can for example be directly reacted with a compound NH₂—Y—R².

Compound I and the aminic compound NH₂—Y—R² are preferably used in a molar ratio of from 5:1 to 1:20, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1:10, even more preferably 1:1 to 1:5 and in particular 1:1 to 1:2.

This imination reaction can be carried out in the presence or absence of an acid. In general, the presence of an acid is dispensable if NH₂—Y—R² is an amine, i.e. Y is a bond and R² is C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or radicals R¹⁰; or a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰. In all other cases, and especially if Y is O, N—R³ or S(O)_(n) and R² has one of the above-given general definitions or if Y is a bond and R² is —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹ or —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, it is preferred to carry out the imination step in the presence of an acid.

Suitable acids are mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or phosphoric acid, as well as organic acids, such as acetic acid, methylsulfonic acid or toluene sulfonic acid. Among these, preference is given to organic acids.

Especially in case that NH₂—Y—R² is a semicarbazide (Y is NR³ and R² is —C(O)NR⁸R⁹) it is preferred to carry out the imination reaction in the presence of an acid and especially of acetic acid. In this specific case, the semicarbazide is preferably used in the form of its hydrochloride which is converted into the acetate in the presence of acetic acid.

Alternatively, in case that NH₂—Y—R² is a semicarbazide (Y is NR³ and R² is —C(O)NR⁸R⁹) it is preferred to use the semicarbazide in the form of its hydrochloride which is converted into the acetate in the presence of acetic acid or sodium acetate.

The reaction may be carried out in a suitable solvent. Suitable solvents are all solvents listed above for the carbonylation reaction and also protic solvents, such as alcohols, for instance monobasic alcohols, e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol or cyclohexanol, or di- or polybasic alcohols, such as glycols, e.g. ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylleneglykol and the like.

If the aminic compound NH₂—Y—R² is liquid under the given reaction conditions, it may be used as a solvent, too. However it is preferred to use one of the above-listed solvents. Among these, preference is given to the above alcohols. A specific solvent is ethanol.

The imination reaction is preferably carried out at elevated temperatures, e.g. in the range of from 30 to 150° C., preferably from 40 to 120° C. and in particular from 50 to 100° C.

The water formed during the imination reaction may be removed in order to assist the reaction, e.g. by distilling it off or by using a water trap, but generally this is not necessary as the reaction mostly proceeds fast enough.

The work-up of the reaction can be carried out by customary means, such as neutralization of the acid, if present and removal of solvent and excess aminic compound NH₂—Y—R² or by isolating the desired compound III from the reaction mixture, e.g. by extraction or crystallization methods.

The preparation of compounds III, wherein R¹ is hydrogen can also be effected as a one-step (or one-pot) reaction by reacting the compound II with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal complex and of the aminic compound NH₂—Y—R². This variant is especially interesting if basic aminic compounds NH₂—Y—R² are used, i.e. compounds wherein NH₂ or NR³ are not directly neighboured to a CO, CS, S(O)_(m) or another electron-withdrawing group. If the aminic compound NH₂—Y—R² is a simple and inexpensive amine, it may also replace the base optionally used in the carbonylation reaction.

For preparing compounds III wherein R¹ is not H, the compound I may be first subjected to a derivatization reaction on the aldehyde group before it is subjected to the imination reaction. For instance, the compound I may be reacted in a Grignard reaction with a Grignard reagent R¹—MgCl, R¹—MgBr or R¹—MgI, or may be reacted with another or ganometallic compound, such as an organic lithium compound R¹—Li. Preferably, R¹—MgCl or R¹—MgBr is used.

The Grignard reagent is generally prepared shortly before the reaction with compound I by reacting a halogenide R¹—Cl, R¹—Br or R¹—I with magnesium. Magnesium and halogenide are generally used in an approximately equimolar ratio. The reaction is generally carried out under customary conditions for this reaction type, i.e. in an inert, anhydrous and also alcohol-free solvent, such as anhydrous and alcohol-free ethers, e.g. diethylether, dibutylether, tetrahydrofuran or anisol, preferably under an inert atmosphere, such as argon or nitrogen. Generally, magnesium is placed in the inert solvent and the halogenide is added by degrees. The halogenide is generally added at such a rate that the reaction mixture refluxes smoothly. After completion of the addition the reaction is generally heated until all magnesium has dissolved. The obtained solution of the Grignard reagent may be used as such or diluted with another solvent which is inert for the following Grignard reaction, such as an aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. toluene.

For the reaction with compound I may be carried out by either adding the Grignard reagent or another organometallic compound to the compound I or vice versa by adding compound I to the Grignard reagent or another organometallic compound. The reagents are generally present in an inert solvent, such as the above-named ethers or aromatic hydrocarbons. The reaction temperature depends on the reagents' reactivity and can vary in large ranges such as −80° C. to the boiling point of the reaction mixture. After completion of the reaction the mixture is quenched, e.g. by the addition of water or an acidic solution, such as diluted hydrochloric acid or aqueous ammoniumchloride.

The reaction yields an alcohol IV

This can be isolated from the reaction by customary methods, such as extraction or crystallization.

The alcohol is then oxidized to the ketone V

Oxidation can principally be carried out by using virtually all oxidizing reagent known for such systems, such as chromium compounds, especially Cr(VI) compounds, e.g. chromic acid, potassium dichromate, potassium dichromate/sulfuric acid, chromium trioxide, chromium trioxide/sulphuric acid/acetone, chromium trioxide/pyridinium complex or pyridinium chlorochromate, manganese compounds, such as potassium permanganate or manganese dioxide MnO₂, DMSO/oxalyl chloride (Swern reagent), halogen compounds, such as hypohalogenic acid or Dess-Martin-periodinane (DMP), tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) or N-methylmorpholine oxide (NMO).

Specifically DMP is used.

The reaction conditions depend on the oxidation reagent used.

The ketone V can then be subjected to an imination reaction as described above for the compounds I wherein R¹ is H.

The compound of formula II can be prepared by cycloaddition of styrene compounds of formula 2 with nitrile oxides derived from oximes of formula 3 as outlined in scheme 1.

The reaction typically proceeds through the intermediacy of an in situ generated hydroxamic acid chloride by reaction with chlorine, hypochlorite, N-succinimide or chloramine-T. The hydroxamic acid chloride is combined with the oxime in the presence of styrene 2. Depending on the conditions, amine bases, such as pyridine or triethylamine may be necessary. The reaction can be run in a wide variety of solvents including DMF, toluene, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, acetonitrile or the like.

Compounds of formula II can also be prepared as outlined in scheme 2 by reacting enones of formula 4 with hydroxylamine. The preparation of compounds 4 is, for example, described in WO 2007/074789.

Compounds of formula II can also be prepared as outlined in scheme 3 by reacting ketones or thioketones 5 (W═O or S) with hydroxylamine. The preparation of compounds of type 5 is described, for example, in WO 2007/074789.

The process of the invention is particularly useful for producing compounds I and III and starting from compound II, wherein the variables have the following preferred meanings:

Preferably, at most two of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are N. In one embodiment, A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are CH. In an alternative embodiment, A¹, A³ and A⁴ are CH and A² is N. In an alternative embodiment, A¹ and A⁴ are CH and A² and A³ are N. In an alternative embodiment, A¹ and A² are CH and A³ and A⁴ are N. In an alternative embodiment, A² and A⁴ are CH and A¹ and A³ are N.

More preferably, A⁴ is CH.

More preferably, A¹ and A³ are CH.

Even more preferably, A¹, A³ and A⁴ are CH and A² is CH or N and in particular CH. Specifically, all A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are CH.

In a preferred embodiment, the ring comprising the groups A¹, A², A³ or A⁴ as ring members carries 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1 or 2 substituents R⁴. In other words, p is preferably 0, 1 or 2, more preferably 1 or 2. In case A² is CH and p is 1, the substituent R⁴ is preferably bound on the position of A² (or A³, which is interchangeable with A² in case all of A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are CH). In other words, A² is in this case preferably C—R⁴. In case A² is N and p is 1, the substituent R⁴ is preferably bound on the position of A³. In other words, A³ is in this case preferably C—R⁴.

In case p is 2, two substituents R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms preferably form together a group selected from —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂— and —CH═CH—CH═CH— and more preferably —CH═CH—CH═CH—, thus yielding a fused phenyl ring.

Specifically, A¹, A³ and A⁴ are CH and A² is C—R⁴. Alternatively A³ and A⁴ are CH and A¹ and A² are C—R⁴.

Preferably, at most one of B¹, B² and B³ is N. More preferably, B¹, B² and B³ are CH or B¹ and B² are CH and B³ is N. Specifically, B¹, B² and B³ are CH.

q is preferably 0, 1, 2 or 3, more preferably 1, 2 or 3, even more preferably 2 or 3. If q is 3 and B¹, B² and B³ are CH, then the three substituents R⁵ are preferably bound in the positions of B¹, B² and B³; B¹, B² and B³ thus being C—R⁵. If q is 2 and B¹, B² and B³ are CH, then the two substituents R⁵ are preferably bound in the positions of B¹ and B³; B¹ and B³ thus being C—R⁵. B² in this case is preferably CH. In case B¹ and B² are CH and B³ is N, q is preferably 1. In this case, R⁵ is preferably bound in the position of B¹, B¹ thus being C—R⁵.

Specifically, B¹, B² and B³ are CH and q is 2 or 3, where in case q is 2, the two substituents R⁵ are bound in the positions of B¹ and B³; B¹ and B³ thus being C—R⁵, and where in case q is 3, the three substituents R⁵ are bound in the positions of B¹, B² and B³; B¹, B² and B³ thus being C—R⁵.

X is preferably selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl. More preferably, X is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl. Even more preferably, X is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl. In particular, X is C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, specifically C₁-C₂-haloalkyl and more specifically halomethyl, in particular fluoromethyl, such as fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl and trifluoromethyl, and is very specifically trifluoromethyl.

Y is preferably O, NR³ or a chemical bond.

In one preferred embodiment, Y is O.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, Y is NR³. R³ has one of the meanings given above or preferably one of the preferred meanings given below.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, Y is a chemical bond.

More preferably, Y is O or NR³. R³ has one of the meanings given above or preferably one of the preferred meanings given below.

Specifically, Y is NR³ and very specifically NH.

Preferably, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₁-C₁₀-alkoxy; C₁-C₁₀-haloalkoxy; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰;

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below and R⁶¹ is hydrogen or has one of the meanings given above or in particular is hydrogen or has one of the preferred meanings given below for R⁶.

Even more preferably, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₁-C₁₀-alkoxy; C₁-C₁₀-haloalkoxy; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, and —C(═O)R⁶; where R⁶ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In particular, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₆-alkyl, more preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl, which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, especially cyclopropyl; C₁-C₄-alkoxy; C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, and —C(═O)R⁶; where R⁶ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

Specifically, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by 1 or 2, preferably 1, radicals R⁶, and C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, especially cyclopropyl, which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by 1 or 2, preferably 1, radicals R⁶, more specifically from hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, especially cyclopropyl and very specifically from hydrogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl, more specifically hydrogen and methyl.

In case R¹ is selected from C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₆-alkyl, more preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl, which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, R⁶ is more preferably selected from C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, more preferably from a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, even more preferably from a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, in particular from a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1 heteroatom selected from N, O and S and optionally 1 or two further N atoms, as ring members, where the heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, and is specifically 6-membered heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl and 1,3,5-triazinyl, preferably from pyridyl and pyrimidinyl, where the heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

Preferably, R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰;

with the proviso that R² is not —OR⁷ if Y is O.

or R² and R³ together form a C₂-C₇ alkylene chain, thus forming, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered ring, where the alkylene chain may be interrupted by 1 or two O, S and/or NR¹⁸ and/or 1 or 2 of the CH₂ groups of the alkylene chain may be replaced by a group C═O, C═S and/or C═NR¹⁸; and/or the alkylene chain may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴ and R¹⁸ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below and R⁶¹ is hydrogen or has one of the meanings given above or in particular is hydrogen or has one of the preferred meanings given below for R⁶.

In case Y is a chemical bond, R² is more preferably selected from a substituent bound via a heteroatom, such as —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹ and an N-bound 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1 N atom as ring member and optionally 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case Y is a chemical bond, R² is even more preferably selected from —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷ and S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, in particular from —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —OR⁷ and —SR⁷, and specifically from —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶ and —OR⁷, where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case Y is not a chemical bond, R² is more preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case Y is not a chemical bond, R² is even more preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case Y is not a chemical bond, R² is in particular selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, preferably 1 or 2 and in particular 1, radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case Y is not a chemical bond, R² is more particularly selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl, which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; and —C(═NR⁸)R⁶, where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case Y is not a chemical bond, R² is specifically selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, in particular C₁-C₄-fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R^(6a); —C(═O)R^(6b), —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶ and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, where

-   R^(6a) is selected from CN, —C(═O)R^(6b); —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷;     phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, a     3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or     aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or     heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring     members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or     more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1,     radicals R¹⁰, preferably from a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered     saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring     containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from     N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic     ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4,     preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, more preferably     from a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic     heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N,     O and S, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be     substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2, more     preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, in particular from a 5- or 6-membered     heteroaromatic ring containing 1 heteroatom selected from N, O and S     and optionally 1 or two further N atoms, as ring members, where the     heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or     3, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, and is     specifically 6-membered heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridinyl,     pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl and 1,3,5-triazinyl, preferably     from pyridyl and pyrimidinyl, where the heteroaromatic ring may be     substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2, more     preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given     above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below;     and -   R^(6b) is selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, or has one of the meanings given for R^(6a);     -   where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the meanings given above or         in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

More specifically, R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₁-C₄-haloalkyl; a methyl group substituted by a radical R^(6a) selected from CN, phenyl, which may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents R^(10a), —C(═O)R^(6b); —C(═O)N(R^(8a))R^(9a) and —C(═O)OR^(7a); —C(═O)R^(6c); —C(═O)N(R^(8a))R^(9a); —C(═S)N(R^(8a))R^(9a); —C(═NR^(8a))R^(6d) and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where

-   R^(6b) and R^(6c) are independently selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl and a 5- or     6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic     ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the phenyl or     heterocyclyl rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may carry 1,     2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; -   R^(6d) is selected from N(R^(8a))R^(9a); -   R^(7a) is selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     phenyl, benzyl and a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially     unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3     heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and     SO₂, as ring members, where the phenyl or heterocyclyl rings in the     three last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents     selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; -   each R^(8a) is independently selected from hydrogen, cyano,     C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₄-alkenyl which may     be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one     or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl, benzyl and a 5- or     6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic     ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the phenyl or     heterocyclyl rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may carry 1,     2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; -   each R^(9a) is independently selected from hydrogen, cyano,     C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may     be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²²,     phenyl, benzyl and a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially     unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3     heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and     SO₂, as ring members, where the phenyl or heterocyclyl rings in the     three last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents     selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; or     -   R^(8a) and R^(9a) together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²; or     -   R^(8a) and R^(9a), together with the nitrogen atom to which they         are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated,         partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may         additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom         groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members,         where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more         radicals R¹⁰; and -   R^(10a) is selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; -   where R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹⁹ have one of the general meanings given     above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In the above preferred embodiment of R², R¹¹ is preferably hydrogen or methyl and R¹² is preferably C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, —C(═O)R¹⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, or —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²².

In the above preferred embodiment of R², R^(9a), if it does not form together with R^(8a) a group ═CR¹¹R¹² or together with R^(8a) and the N atom to which they are bound a heterocyclic ring, is preferably selected from hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyclopropyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxycarbonyl and is more preferably hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl.

In the above preferred embodiment of R², R^(8a), if it does not form together with R^(9a) a group ═CR¹¹R¹² or together with R^(9a) and the N atom to which they are bound a heterocyclic ring, is preferably selected from CN, C₁-C₆-alkyl; C₁-C₆-haloalkyl; C₁-C₄-alkyl which carries one radical R¹⁹; C₂-C₆-alkenyl; C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl; C₂-C₄-alkenyl which is substituted by one radical R¹⁹; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which carries one radical R¹⁹, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰; —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²²; phenyl; benzyl and a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the phenyl or heterocyclyl rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

If R^(8a) and R^(9a), together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, this is preferably a 3, 5 or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 further heteroatom or heteroatom group selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring member.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the combination of Y and R² is NR³—CO—N(R⁸)R⁹. In this case, R³ is preferably selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxycarbonyl and is more preferably H or C₁-C₄-alkyl, and R⁸ and R⁹ have preferably one of the preferred meanings given below for R⁸ and R⁹ or have more preferably one of the general or preferred meanings given above for R^(8a) and R^(9a).

In an alternatively particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the combination of Y and R² is NR³—CS—N(R⁸)R⁹. In this case, R³ is preferably selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxycarbonyl and is more preferably H or C₁-C₄-alkyl, and R⁸ and R⁹ have preferably one of the preferred meanings given below for R⁸ and R⁹ or have more preferably one of the general or preferred meanings given above for R^(8a) and R^(9a).

In an alternatively particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the combination of Y and R² is NR³—CO—R⁶. In this case, R³ is preferably selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxycarbonyl and is more preferably H or C₁-C₄-alkyl, and R⁶ has preferably one of the preferred meanings given below for R⁶ or has more preferably one of the general or preferred meanings given above for R^(6b) or R^(6c). Specifically, R⁶ is in this case selected from C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclyl ring may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

In an alternatively particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the combination of Y and R² is NR³—R², where R² is a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclyl ring may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl.

Preferably R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —N(R⁸)R⁹; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰;

or R² and R³ together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²; ═S(O)_(m)R⁷; ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹; ═NR⁸; or ═NOR⁷;

or R² and R³ together form a C₂-C₇ alkylene chain, thus forming, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered ring, where the alkylene chain may be interrupted by 1 or two O, S and/or NR¹⁸ and/or 1 or 2 of the CH₂ groups of the alkylene chain may be replaced by a group C═O, C═S and/or C═NR¹⁸; and/or the alkylene chain may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴ and R¹⁸ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

More preferably, R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

Even more preferably, R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹ and —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the meanings given above and in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In particular, R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶ and —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; where R⁶, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the meanings given above and in particular one of the preferred meanings given below. Preferably, in this case, R⁶ as a C₁-C₆-alkyl substituent, is selected from CN, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio and a 5- or 6-membered hetaryl ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members and being optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 radicals R¹⁰. In this case, R⁶ as a CO substituent, is preferably selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy. In this case, R⁸ and R⁹ are preferably selected from hydrogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl.

More particularly, R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and —C(═O)R⁶, and is specifically selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, where R⁶ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below and is specifically hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl. Very specifically, R³ is hydrogen.

Specifically, in the group —C(R¹)═N—Y—R², R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl, Y is NH and R² is C(═O)NR⁸R⁹, C(═S)NR⁸R⁹ or C(═O)R⁶, where R⁶, R⁸ and R⁹ have preferably one of the preferred meanings given below for R⁸ and R⁹ or have more preferably one of the general or preferred meanings given above for R^(6b), R^(6c), R^(8a) and R^(9a), or R² is a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclyl ring may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl.

Preferably, each R⁴ is independently selected from Cl; F; cyano; nitro; —SCN; SF₅; C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —OS(O)_(n)R⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═NR⁸)H; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰;

or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms may be together a group selected from —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, —N═CH—CH═CH—, —CH═N—CH═CH—, —N═CH—N═CH—, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —OCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂OCH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂O—, —CH═CHO—, —CH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂C(═O)O—, —C(═O)OCH₂—, —O(CH₂)O—, —SCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —SCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂SCH₂CH₂—, —SCH₂CH₂S—, —SCH₂SCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂S—, —CH═CHS—, —CH₂SCH₂—, —CH₂C(═S)S—, —C(═S)SCH₂—, —S(CH₂)S—, —CH₂CH₂NR⁸—, —CH₂CH═N—, —CH═CH—NR⁸—, —OCH═N—, and —SCH═N—, thus forming, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, a 5- or 6-membered ring, where the hydrogen atoms of the above groups may be replaced by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, substituents selected from halogen, methyl, halomethyl, hydroxyl, methoxy and halomethoxy or one or more, e.g. 1 or 2, CH₂ groups of the above groups may be replaced by a C═O group, where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹³ and R¹⁴ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

More preferably, each R⁴ is independently selected from Cl; F; cyano; nitro; —SCN; C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —OR⁷; —OS(O)_(n)R⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)R⁹; C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹ and phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰

or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms may be together a group —CH═CH—CH═CH—;

where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In particular, each R⁴ is independently selected from Cl, F; cyano; C₁-C₆-alkyl; C₁-C₆-haloalkyl; C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms may be together a group —CH═CH—CH═CH—.

More particularly, each R⁴ is independently selected from Cl; F; cyano; C₁-C₆-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl, more preferably methyl; C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, preferably C₁-C₂-haloalkyl, more preferably CF₃; and C₁-C₆-alkoxy, preferably C₁-C₄-alkoxy, more preferably methoxy; or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms may be together a group —CH═CH—CH═CH—.

Preferably, each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, cyano, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, OR⁷, OS(O)_(n)R⁷, S(O)_(m)R⁷, NR⁸R⁹, N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶, C(═O)R⁶, C(═O)OR⁷, C(═NR⁸)R⁶, C(═S)NR⁶, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹³ and R¹⁴ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

More preferably, each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶, OR⁷, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰,

where R⁶, R⁷ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

Even more preferably, each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, in particular from Cl, F, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₂-haloalkyl and is specifically chlorine or C₁-C₂-haloalkyl, especially CF₃; or is specifically chlorine or fluorine.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR⁷, —OSO₂R⁷, —SR⁷, —S(O)_(m)R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)R¹⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; or two geminally bound radicals R⁶ together form a group selected from ═CR¹¹R¹², ═S(O)_(m)R⁷, ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹, ═NR⁸, ═NOR⁷ and ═NNR⁸; or two radicals R⁶, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members,

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴ and R¹⁹ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, it is more preferably selected from the group consisting of cyano, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, —OR⁷, —SR⁷, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)R¹⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, it is even more preferably selected from the group consisting of cyano, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-haloalkylthio, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)R¹⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, as ring members, where the heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, it is in particular selected from the group consisting of cyano, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)R¹⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, as ring members, where the heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on a cycloalkyl group, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR⁷, —OSO₂R⁷, —SR⁷, —S(O)_(m)R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

or two geminally bound radicals R⁶ together form a group selected from ═CR¹¹R¹² ═S(O)_(m)R⁷, ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹, ═NR⁸, ═NOR⁷ and ═NNR⁸;

or two radicals R⁶, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³ and R¹⁴ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on a cycloalkyl group, it is more preferably selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, —OR⁷, —OSO₂R⁷, —SR⁷, —S(O)_(m)R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on a cycloalkyl group, it is even more preferably selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₃-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₃-haloalkoxy. In particular, R⁶ as a substituent on a cycloalkyl group is selected from halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₃-haloalkyl.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on C(═O), C(═S) or C(═NR⁸), it is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, —OR⁷, —SR⁷, —N(R⁸)R⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ have one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on C(═O), C(═S) or C(═NR⁸), it is more preferably selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on C(═O), C(═S) or C(═NR⁸), it is more preferably selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

In case R⁶ is a substituent on C(═O), C(═S) or C(═NR⁸), it is even more preferably selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₃-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₃-haloalkoxy, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, as ring members, where the heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰ and a 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

Preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R¹⁰, where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

More preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, as ring members, where the heteroaromatic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

R⁸ and R⁹ are independently of each other and independently of each occurrence preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which carries one or more radicals R¹⁹, S(O)_(m)R²⁰, S(O)_(n)NR²¹R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or radicals R¹⁰, benzyl wherein the phenyl moiety may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; where R¹⁰ has one of the meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below; or

-   R⁸ and R⁹ together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²; or -   R⁸ and R⁹, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound,     form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated     or aromatic, preferably a saturated, heterocyclic ring which may     additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom     groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where     the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals     R¹⁰.

In the above preferred embodiment of R⁸ and R⁹, R¹¹ is preferably hydrogen or methyl and R¹² is preferably C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, —C(═O)R¹⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, or —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²².

In the above preferred embodiment of R⁸ and R⁹, R⁹, if it does not form together with R⁸ a group ═CR¹¹R¹² or together with R⁸ and the N atom to which they are bound a heterocyclic ring, is preferably selected from hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyclopropyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxycarbonyl and is more preferably hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl.

In the above preferred embodiment of R⁸ and R⁹, R⁸, if it does not form together with R⁹ a group ═CR¹¹R¹² or together with R⁹ and the N atom to which they are bound a heterocyclic ring, is preferably selected from CN, C₁-C₆-alkyl; C₁-C₆-haloalkyl; C₁-C₄-alkyl which carries one radical R¹⁹; C₂-C₆-alkenyl; C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl; C₂-C₄-alkenyl which is substituted by one radical R¹⁹; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which carries one or more radicals R¹⁹; —S(O)_(m)R²⁰; —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²²; phenyl; benzyl and a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the phenyl or heterocyclyl rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

If R⁸ and R⁹, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, this is preferably a 3, 5 or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 further heteroatom or heteroatom group selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring member.

Specifically, R⁸ and R⁹ are independently of each other and independently of each occurrence selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl which carries one radical R¹⁹; C₂-C₆-alkenyl; C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl; C₂-C₄-alkenyl which is substituted by one radical R¹⁹; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl; C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which carries one or more radicals R¹⁹; and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰. More specifically, R⁹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl and R⁸ has one of the meanings specified above.

Preferably, each R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, cyano, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —OR²⁰, —SR²⁰, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², —N(R²¹)R²², C(═O)R¹⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from Cl, F, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from Cl, F, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;

or two radicals R¹⁰ bound on adjacent atoms together form a group selected from —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, —N═CH—CH═CH—, —CH═N—CH═CH—, —N═CH—N═CH—, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —OCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂OCH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂O—, —CH═CHO—, —CH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂C(═O)O—, —C(═O)OCH₂—, and —O(CH₂)O—, thus forming, together with the atoms to which they are bound, a 5- or 6-membered ring, where the hydrogen atoms of the above groups may be replaced by one or more substituents selected from Cl, F, methyl, halomethyl, hydroxyl, methoxy and halomethoxy or one or more CH₂ groups of the above groups may be replaced by a C═O group, where R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² have one of the general meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

More preferably, each R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, cyano, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —OR²⁰, —N(R²¹)R²², C(═O)R¹⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from Cl, F, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from Cl, F, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;

where R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² have one of the general meanings given above or in particular one of the preferred meanings given below.

Even more preferably, each R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy. In particular, each R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and is specifically Cl or F, more specifically chlorine.

Preferably, R¹¹ and R¹² are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. More preferably, R¹¹ and R¹² are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl and in particular from the group consisting of hydrogen and halogen. Specifically, they are hydrogen.

Preferably, R¹³ and R¹⁴ are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from C₁-C₄-alkyl and are in particular methyl.

Preferably, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl and phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 radicals R¹⁰; where R¹⁰ has one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings given above.

Preferably, each R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, phenyl and benzyl. More preferably, each R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl and phenyl and is in particular C₁-C₄-alkyl or C₁-C₃-haloalkyl.

Preferably, each R¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹ and —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; where R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings given above.

More preferably, each R¹⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1, radicals R⁶; —C(═O)R⁶ and —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; where R⁶, R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings given above. Preferably, in this case, R⁶ as a C₁-C₆-alkyl substituent, is selected from CN, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio and a 5- or 6-membered hetaryl ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members and being optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 radicals R¹⁰. In this case, R⁶ as a CO substituent, is preferably selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy. In this case, R⁸ and R⁹ are preferably selected from hydrogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl.

In particular, each R¹⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and —C(═O)R⁶, and is specifically selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and —C(═O)R⁶, where R⁶ has one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings given above and is specifically C₁-C₄-alkyl.

In case R¹⁹ is a substituent on an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyano, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, —OR²⁰, SR²⁰, S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═O)R²⁰, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where

-   R¹⁰ is selected from halogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; -   R²⁰ is selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, phenyl,     benzyl, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or     3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and     SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned     radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; and -   R²¹ and R²², independently of each other and independently of each     occurrence, are selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, phenyl,     benzyl, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or     3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and     SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned     radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰.

In case R¹⁹ is a substituent on a cycloalkyl group, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═O)R²⁰, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰;

where

-   R¹⁰ is selected from halogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; -   R²⁰ is selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, phenyl,     benzyl, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or     3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and     SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned     radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; and -   R²¹ and R²², independently of each other and independently of each     occurrence, are selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic     ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected     from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in     the three last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more     radicals R¹⁰.

In case R¹⁹ is a substituent on a C(═O) group, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; where R¹⁰ is selected from halogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

R²⁰ is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₂-C₄-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; where R¹⁰ is selected from halogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

R²¹ and R²², independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, are preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the rings in the three last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; where R¹⁰ is selected from halogen, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy;

or R²¹ and R²², together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, may form a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals selected from halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.

Specifically, process B refers to the preparation of compounds of the formula III-1

wherein

-   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; -   R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c) are hydrogen or have one of the general or in     particular one of the preferred meanings given above for R⁵; -   R^(4a) and R^(4b), independently of each other, are hydrogen or have     one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings     given above for R⁴; and -   R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the general or in particular one of the     preferred meanings given above.

In an alternative specific embodiment, process B refers to the preparation of compounds of the formula III-2

wherein

-   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; -   R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c) are hydrogen or have one of the general or in     particular one of the preferred meanings given above for R⁵; -   R^(4a) and R^(4b), independently of each other, are hydrogen or have     one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings     given above for R⁴; and -   R⁸ and R⁹ have one of the general or in particular one of the     preferred meanings given above.

In an alternative specific embodiment, process B refers to the preparation of compounds of the formula III-3

wherein

-   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; -   R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c) are hydrogen or have one of the general or in     particular one of the preferred meanings given above for R⁵; -   R^(4a) and R^(4b), independently of each other, are hydrogen or have     one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings     given above for R⁴; and -   R⁶ has one of the general or in particular one of the preferred     meanings given above and is specifically selected from     C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl, a 5- or 6-membered     heteroaromatic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from     N, O and S, as ring members, where the heteroaromatic ring may be     substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰ and a 5- or 6-membered     saturated heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or     heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring     members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or     more radicals R¹⁰, where R¹⁰ has one of the general or inparticular     one of the preferred meanings given above.

In an alternative specific embodiment, process B refers to the preparation of compounds of the formula III-4

wherein

-   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; -   R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c) are hydrogen or have one of the general or in     particular one of the preferred meanings given above for R⁵; -   R^(4a) and R^(4b), independently of each other, are hydrogen or have     one of the general or in particular one of the preferred meanings     given above for R⁴; and -   R² is a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or     aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or     heteroatom groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring     members, where the heterocyclyl ring may carry 1, 2 or 3     substituents selected from halogen, CN, C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy and phenyl.

By the method of the invention it is possible to produce the important intermediate of formula II in a simple and industrially applicable method. Moreover, the method requires less catalyst than the prior art methods.

The invention also refers to compounds obtainable by the method of the invention, especially compounds of formulae I and III or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer and/or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and specifically to every singly compound listed below in the examples (compounds C) and their enantiomers, diastereoisomers and/or an agriculturally acceptable salts.

The invention further relates to an agricultural composition comprising at least one imine compound of the formula III as defined above, obtainable by the process according to the invention, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer and/or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and at least one inert liquid and/or solid agriculturally acceptable carrier.

The invention also relates to a veterinary composition comprising at least one imine compound of the formula III as defined above, obtainable by the process according to the invention, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer and/or a veterinarily acceptable salt thereof, and at least one inert liquid and/or solid veterinarily acceptable carrier.

Moreover, the invention relates to the use of an imine compound of formula III as defined above, obtainable by the process according to the invention, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer and/or an agriculturally or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof, for combating invertebrate pests.

Another aspect of the invention is the use of an imine compound of formula III as defined above, obtainable by the process according to the invention, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer and/or a veterinarily acceptable salt thereof, for treating or protecting an animal from infestation or infection by invertebrate pests.

A further aspect of the invention is plant propagation material, comprising at least one compound of the formula III as defined above, obtainable by the process according to the invention, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer and/or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred plant propargation material is seeds.

The invention will now be illustrated by following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Compounds were characterized e.g. by coupled High Performance Liquid Chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS), by ¹H-NMR and/or by their melting points.

Analytical HPLC column: RP-18 column Chromolith Speed ROD from Merck KgaA, Germany). Elution:acetonitrile+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/water+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in a ratio of from 5:95 to 95:5 in 5 minutes at 40° C.

¹H-NMR, respectively ¹³C-NMR: The signals are characterized by chemical shift (ppm) vs. tetramethylsilane, respectively CDCl₃ or DMSO-d₆ for ¹³C-NMR, by their multiplicity and by their integral (relative number of hydrogen atoms given). The following abbreviations are used to characterize the multiplicity of the signals: m=multiplett, q=quartett, t=triplett, d=doublet, dd=doublet of doublet and s=singulett.

S. Synthesis Examples S.1 Synthesis of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde-4-trifluoroethylsemicarbazone (Compound I-1 of table C.1; see below) Step 1: Synthesis of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde

A reaction autoclave was charged with 3-(4-bromo-3-methyl-phenyl)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.10 g, 0.22 mmol), palladium dichloride cyclooctadiene complex (1.6 mg, 2.5 mol-%), xanthphos (9.7 mg, 7.5 mol-%), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine (19.3 mg, 0.75 equiv.) and DMF (2 mL) and purged with synthesis gas (carbon monoxide:hydrogen=1:1) to 5 bar. The reaction autoclave was heated to 100° C. for 16 h and then cooled to ambient temperature. After release of the pressure, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel to yield the title compound (13 mg, 15%).

Alternative Step 1: Synthesis of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde

A reaction autoclave was charged with 3-(4-bromo-3-methyl-phenyl)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole 8.2 g, 18 mmol), palladium(II) acetate (13.4 mg, 59.7 μm), cataCXium (107.4 mg), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine (1.6 g) and toluene (7.9 g) and purged with synthesis gas (carbon monoxide:hydrogen=1:1) to 5 bar. The reaction autoclave was pressurized to 10 bar synthesis gas and was heated to 120° C. for 18 h and then cooled to ambient temperature. After release of the pressure, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel to yield the title compound (3.4 g, 37%).

Characterization by GC-MS (DB-XLB 30 m×0.25 mm, 0.25 μM film, helium 2 mL/min 50-10-260/10-10-300, 0.5 μM/split 10:1, injector 250° C.): 26.750 min, m/z=401 (TOF MS FI+)

Step 2: Synthesis of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde-4-trifluoroethylsemicarbazone

A mixture of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde (72.5 g, 0.18 mol) and 4-trifluoroethyl semicarbazide hydrochloride (39.92 g, 0.21 mol) in ethanol (50 mL) and glacial acetic acid (40 mL) was heated at 70° C. over night. After this, water was added until the clear solution became turbid, then MTBE (10 mL) was added and the mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered and washed with water to obtain the title compound (84.10 g, 86%).

Characterization by HPLC-MS: 4.281 min, M=541.00

Characterization by ¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃):

δ[delta]=2.52 (s, 3H), 3.71 (d, 1H), 4.03 (m, 2H), 4.11 (d, 1H), 6.46 (dd, 1H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 9.40 (s, 1H) ppm.

S.2 Synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-1-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-phenyl}-ethanone-4-trifluoroethylsemicarbazone (Compounds 1-19 and 1-57 of Table C.1; See Below) Step 1: Synthesis of 1-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-phenyl}-ethanol

To a solution of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde (i.e. the product of example S.1, Step 1, 0.50 g) and lithium chloride (53 mg, 1.24 mmol, 1.00 equiv.) in THF (15 mL) was added a solution of methyl magnesium bromide (1.78 mL, 1.4 M in THF/toluene, 2.49 mmol, 2.00 equiv.) at −70° C.

After 1 h at this temperature, the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was quenched with a saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution. The layers were separated and extracted with toluene. Combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (0.20 g, 38%).

Characterization by HPLC-MS: 4.301 min, M=418.05

Step 2: Synthesis of 1-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-phenyl}-ethanone

To a solution of 1-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-phenyl}-ethanol (i.e. the product of example S.2, Step 1, 160 mg, 0.38 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was added Dess-Martin-Periodinane (243 mg, 0.57 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) in small portions. The mixture was stirred at room temperature over night, then saturated aqueous NaHCO₃-solution was added and the mixture was left at room temperature for 1 h. The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated in vacuum to give the title compound (120 mg, 75%), which was used in the next reaction without further purification.

Characterization by HPLC-MS: 4.572 min, M=415.95

Step 3: Synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-1-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-phenyl}-ethanone-4-trifluoroethylsemicarbazone

A mixture of 1-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-phenyl}-ethanone (1.37 g) and 4-trifluoroethyl semicarbazide hydrochloride (0.729 g) in ethanol (1 mL) and glacial acetic acid (0.5 mL) was heated at 70° C. for 6 h. After cooling, the solvents were evaporated in vacuum. Ethyl acetate was added, and the organic layer was washed with water. After drying over Na₂SO₄, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel to afford the title compounds (Z-isomer elutes first, 300 mg, E-isomer elutes second, 400 mg, total yield 38%).

Z-Isomer:

Characterization by HPLC-MS: 4.497 min, M=555.00

Characterization by ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d⁶):

δ [delta]=2.16 (s, 3H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 3.87 (m, 2H), 4.29 (d, 1H), 4.36 (d, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 7.34 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.69 (m, 4H), 7.82 (m, 1H), 8.52 (s, 1H) ppm.

E-Isomer:

Characterization by HPLC-MS: 4.531 min, M=555.05

Compound 1-1 and the intermediate aldehyde were also obtained when MeSkatOX, TPP, TPPit, tBuOMeTPPit, BINAP, CyH₃P, cataCXium, Complex 130, Complex 34 or Complex 128 was used instead of Xanthphos.

The compounds of the following examples were synthesized analogously.

C. Compound Examples C.1 Compound Examples 1

Compound examples 1-1 to 1-95 correspond to compounds of formula C.1:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.1 below.

TABLE C.1 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 1-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.281 541.00 1-2 H C(═O)NH-3-thiolyl-1,1-dioxide NH 4.092 577.05 1-3 H C(═O)—NH—CH₃ NH 4.193 473.05 1-4 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.308 487.05 1-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.575 515.05 1-6 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂-thiophene- NH 4.597 569.05 2-yl 1-7 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-furan-2-yl NH 4.368 538.70 1-8 H C(═O)—NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.324 499.05 1-9 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂-2-pyridyl NH 3.627 563.80 1-10 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-tetrahydro- NH 4.284 542.80 furan-2-yl 1-11 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.278 530.80 1-12 H C(═O)—NH—CH₂-cyclopropyl NH 4.452 513.05 1-13 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.183 516.80 1-14 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₃ NH 4.422 500.80 1-15 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃ NH 4.572 514.80 1-16 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃ NH 4.722 528.80 1-17 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.698 528.80 1-18 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂-1,3- NH 3.604 566.80 imidazole-1-yl 1-19 CH₃ C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ (Z)-isomer NH 4.474 555.00 1-20 H C(═O)-pyrrolidine-1-yl NH 4.175 513.10 1-21 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF₃ NH 4.507 555.10 1-22 H C(═O)NH-pyridine-3-yl NH 3.746 536.00 1-23 H C(═O)-morpholine-4-yl NH 4.039 529.00 1-24 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.456 533.00 1-25 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyridine-4-yl NH 3.659 550.00 1-26 H C(═O)NH-pyridine-4-yl NH 3.770 536.00 1-27 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-2- NH 4.437 586.00 chloropyridine-5-yl 1-28 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyridine-2-yl NH 3.701 550.00 1-29 H C(═O)—NH-cyclopentyl NH 4.729 527.05 1-30 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.527 501.05 1-31 H C(═O)-thiomorpholine-4-yl NH 4.281 545.05 1-32 H C(═O)—NH-cyclohexyl NH 4.840 541.00 1-33 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CHF₂ NH 4.331 523.00 1-34 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH— NH 4.218 598.05 CH₂CF₃ 1-35 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂SCF₃ NH 4.634 586.90 1-36 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH═CCl₂ NH 4.703 568.95 1-37 H C(═O)NH-2-trifluoromethyl- NH 4.920 610.00 thiazole-4-yl 1-38 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH═CH-4- NH 4.971 609.00 chlorophenyl 1-39 H C(═O)NH-2-chloropyridine-4-yl NH 4.522 571.95 1-40 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-2- NH 4.342 585.05 chloropyrimidine-4-yl 1-41 H C(═O)NH-pyridazine-4-yl NH 3.773 537.05 1-42 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyrimidine-4-yl NH 4.002 551.00 1-43 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyrimidine-2-yl NH 4.081 551.00 1-44 H C(═O)N(CH₃)—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.291 555.00 1-45 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-2- NH 4.342 584.00 chloropyridine-4-yl 1-46 H C(═O)NH-3-chloropyridine-4-yl NH 2.180 571.90 1-47 H C(═O)NH-3-chloropyridazine- NH ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d⁶): 6-yl hydrochloride δ [delta] = 3.34 (s, 3H), 4.35 (d 1H), 4.40 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.75 (m, 5H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.95-8.04 (m, 1H), 8.34 (m, 1H), 8.97 (d, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 12.42 (m, 1H) ppm. 1-48 H C(═O)NH-pyrimidine-4-yl NH 3.912 537.00 1-49 H C(═O)NH₂ NH 3.997 459.0  1-50 H C(═O)NH-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl NH 3.893 526.05 1-51 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂S(═O)₂CH₃ NH 4.028 565.05 1-52 H C(═O)NH-3-chloropyridine-2-yl NH 4.352 569.95 1-53 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH- NH 3.979 556.00 cyclopropyl 1-54 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)N(CH₃)₂ NH 4.012 544.00 1-55 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 3.853 530.00 1-56 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH— NH 4.123 558.10 CH(CH₃)₂ 1-57 CH₃ C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ (E)-isomer NH 4.531 555.05 1-58 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂S(═O)₂CF₃ NH 4.414 618.90 1-59 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH— NH 3.951 544.00 CH₂CH₃ 1-60 H C(═O)-5-chloro-1,2,4-triazole- NH 4.249 544.95 3-yl 1-61 H C(═O)NH-6-chloropyridine-2-yl NH 4.813 570.00 1-62 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH═CH₂ NH 4.318 499.00 1-63 H C(═O)N(CH₃) CH₂CH₃ NH 4.067 501.00 1-64 H C(═O)NH-thiazole-4-yl NH 4.409 541.95 1-65 H C(═O)NH-2-chlorothiazole-4-yl NH 4.921 576.00 1-66 H C(═O)NH-4-chloropyridine-2-yl NH 3.965 569.95 1-67 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.620 556.95 1-68 H C(═S)NH—CH₃ NH 4.704 489.00 1-69 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OC₆H₅ NH 4.620 579.00 1-70 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C₆H₅ NH 4.559 549.00 1-71 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.369 531.00 1-72 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF═CF₂ NH 4.501 567.00 1-73 H C(═S)NH₂ NH 4.144 474.95 1-74 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)cyclopropyl NH 4.586 527.00 1-75 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyridine-3-yl NH 3.567 550.00 1-76 H 4-CH₃-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.110 513.00 1-77 H pyridine-2-yl NH 3.709 493.00 1-78 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂OC₆H₅ NH 4.725 593.00 1-79 H C(═O)NH-1-(C₆H₅)cyclopropyl NH 4.638 575.00 1-yl 1-80 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃) C₆H₅ NH 4.654 563.00 1-81 H 5-chloro-pyridine-2-yl NH 4.425 529.00 1-82 H 6-chloro-pyridine-2-yl NH 4.274 528.95 1-83 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.521 547.00 1-84 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.705 561.00 1-85 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CF₃ NH 4.539 555.00 1-86 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃) pyridine-3-yl NH 3.623 564.10 1-87 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂ NH 4.278 593.00 S(═O)₂CH₃ 1-88 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂ NH 4.059 577.00 S(═O)CH₃ 1-89 H C(═O)NH— NH 3.923 563.00 CH(CH₃)CH₂S(═O)CH₃ 1-90 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂ NH 4.051 578.90 S(═O)₂CH₃ 1-91 H 4-CF₃-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.908 566.90 1-92 H 6-CF₃-pyridine-2-yl NH 4.300 561.05 1-93 H 4-C₆H₅-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.940 574.90 1-94 H thiazole-2-yl NH 4.049 498.90 1-95 H 4,5-(CH₃)₂-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.280 527.05

C.2 Compound Examples 2

Compound example 2-1 to 2-19 corresponds to compound formula C.2:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.2 below.

TABLE C.2 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 2-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.612 594.95 2-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.319 527.00 2-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.446 541.00 2-4 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.441 553.00 2-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂cyclopropyl NH 4.569 567.00 2-6 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF₃ NH 4.560 609.00 2-7 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-tetrahydro- NH 4.518 597.10 furan-2-yl 2-8 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.438 585.00 2-9 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.428 571.05 2-10 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.507 587.00 2-11 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.570 555.00 2-12 H C(═O)NH₂ NH 4.227 512.95 2-13 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.669 569.00 2-14 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CHF₂ NH 4.513 576.95 2-15 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₃ NH 4.637 555.00 2-16 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH— NH 4.301 652.00 CH₂CF₃ 2-17 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyridine-2-yl NH 3.840 604.10 2-18 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-2- NH 4.481 640.00 chloropyridine-4-yl 2-19 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyrimidine-4-yl NH 4.255 605.00

C.3 Compound Examples 3

Compound example 3-1 to 3-5 corresponds to compound formula C.3:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.3 below.

TABLE C.3 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 3-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.174 476.95 3-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.322 491.05 3-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.417 544.95 3-4 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 3.724* 503.00 3-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂cyclopropyl NH 3.832 517.00 *this chromatogram was measured using the long method with a total run-time of 6 minutes.

C.4 Compound Examples 4

Compound examples 4-1 to 4-55 correspond to compound formula C.4:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.4 below.

TABLE C.4 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 4-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.167 560.95 4-2 H C(═O)—NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.449 519.00 4-3 H C(═O)—NH—CH₂-cyclopropyl NH 4.584 533.00 4-4 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.301 493.00 4-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.435 507.00 4-6 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.834 549.10 4-7 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.703 535.10 4-8 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂-thiophene- NH 4.718 589.10 2-yl 4-9 H C(═O)-thiomorpholine-4-yl NH 4.366 565.00 4-10 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂-pyridine-2- NH 3.790 584.00 yl 4-11 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-tetrahydro- NH 4.449 563.05 furan-2-yl 4-12 H C(═O)NH-3-thiolyl-1,1-dioxide NH 4.126 596.90 4-13 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂-1- NH 3.770 587.05 imidazolyl 4-14 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-furan-2-yl NH 4.511 559.00 4-15 H C(═O)NH-cyclopentyl NH 4.756 547.00 4-16 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C(═O)NH- NH 4.105 576.10 cyclopropyl 4-17 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₃ NH 4.571 522.95 4-18 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF₃ NH 4.576 574.95 4-19 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CHF₂ NH 4.422 542.95 4-20 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.396 537.00 4-21 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.596 555.00 4-22 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂SCF₃ NH 4.802 608.90 4-23 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH═CCl₂ NH 4.747 588.90 4-24 H C(═O)NH-2-trifluoromethyl- NH 4.967 632.00 thiazole-4-yl 4-25 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-2- NH 4.528 606.00 chloropyrimidine-4-yl 4-26 H C(═O)NH₂ NH 4.177 480.90 4-27 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.779 523.00 4-28 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.820 578.90 4-29 H C(═S)NH—CH₃ NH 4.607 510.90 4-30 H 4-CH₃-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.200 534.95 4-31 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C₆H₅ NH 4.560 570.90 4-32 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyridine-3-yl NH 3.659 570.00 4-33 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.574 569.00 4-34 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.469 551.00 4-35 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OC₆H₅ NH 4.720 599.00 4-36 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃) C₆H₅ NH 4.777 585.00 4-37 H C(═S)NH₂ NH 4.167 496.74 4-38 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CF₃ NH 4.509 574.90 4-39 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)cyclopropyl NH 4.576 546.90 4-40 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF═CF₂ NH 4.493 586.90 4-41 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.690 582.90 4-42 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂OC₆H₅ NH 4.822 615.00 4-43 H C(═O)NH-1-(C₆H₅)cyclopropyl NH 4.737 576.00 1-yl 4-44 H pyridine-2-yl NH 3.821 515.00 4-45 H 6-chloro-pyridine-2-yl NH 4.919 548.90 4-46 H 5-chloro-pyridine-2-yl NH 4.689 548.95 4-47 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃) pyridine- NH 3.698 586.00 3-yl 4-48 H C(═O)NH— NH 3.990 584.90 CH(CH₃)CH₂S(═O)CH₃ 4-49 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂ NH 4.170 601.00 S(═O)₂CH₃ 4-50 H 4,5-(CH₃)₂-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.342 548.95 4-51 H thiazole-2-yl NH 4.339 520.95 4-52 H 6-CF₃-pyridine-2-yl NH 4.392 580.90 4-53 H 4-CF₃-thiazole-2-yl NH 4.958 586.90 4-54 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂ NH 4.361 615.00 S(═O)₂CH₃ 4-55 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂ NH 4.164 599.00 S(═O)CH₃

C.5 Compound Examples 5

Compound examples 5-1 to 5-13 correspond to compound formula C.5:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.5 below.

TABLE C.5 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 5-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.394 552.00 5-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.128 484.00 5-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.288 498.05 5-4 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.310 510.05 5-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-cyclopropyl NH 4.447 524.05 5-6 H C(═O)NH₂ NH 3.953 469.95 5-7 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF₃ NH 4.424 566.10 5-8 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CHF₂ NH 4.269 534.05 5-9 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.439 512.05 5-10 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ NH 4.566 526.05 5-11 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-tetrahydro- NH 4.257 554.05 furan-2-yl 5-12 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.261 542.05 5-13 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.166 528.05

C.6 Compound Examples 6

Compound examples 6-1 to 6-7 correspond to compounds of formula C.6:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.6 below.

TABLE C.6 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 6-1 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.571 570.90 6-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.283 501.00 6-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.231 487.05 6-4 H C(═S)NH—CH₃ NH 4.485 503.00 6-5 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.609 517.05 6-6 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.383 513.05 6-7 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.364 555.00

C.7 Compound Examples 7

Compound examples 7-1 to 7-8 correspond to compounds of formula C.7:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.7 below.

TABLE C.7 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 7-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.025 527.00 7-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-cyclopropyl NH 4.078 499.00 7-3 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 3.939 485.00 7-4 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 3.920 473.00 7-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 3.861 459.05 7-6 H C(═S)NH—CH₃ NH 4.110 475.05 7-7 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.263 489.05 7-8 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.234 543.00

C.8 Compound Examples 8

Compound examples 8-1 to 8-8 correspond to compounds of formula C.8:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.8 below.

TABLE C.8 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 8-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.271 546.95 8-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-cyclopropyl NH 4.205 519.00 8-3 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.160 505.10 8-4 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.149 493.10 8-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.002 479.10 8-6 H C(═S)NH—CH₃ NH 4.253 495.00 8-7 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.399 509.00 8-8 H C(═S)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.339 562.90

C.9 Compound Examples 9

Compound examples 9-1 to 9-15 correspond to compounds of formula C.9:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.9 below.

TABLE C.9 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 9-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.389 556.95 9-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.291 503.05 9-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.153 489.05 9-4 H C(═O)NH—CH₂C₆H₅ NH 4.535 565.00 9-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂-pyridine-3-yl NH 3.543 566.00 9-6 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.400 562.90 9-7 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂OC₆H₅ NH 4.506 595.00 9-8 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂OCH₃ NH 4.245 547.00 9-9 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃) C₆H₅ NH 4.552 579.00 9-10 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CF₃ NH 4.519 571.00 9-11 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)cyclopropyl NH 4.566 543.00 9-12 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₂CF═CF₂ NH 4.490 583.00 9-13 H C(═O)NH—CH(CH₃)CH₂OC₆H₅ NH 4.715 609.00 9-14 H C(═O)NH-1-(C₆H₅)cyclopropyl NH 4.635 591.00 1-yl 9-15 H C(═O)NH—C(CH₃)₂CH₂SCH₃ NH 4.946 577.00

C.10 Compound Examples 10

Compound examples 10-1 to 10-6 correspond to compounds of formula C.10:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.10 below.

TABLE C.10 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 10-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.598 577.00 10-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.291 508.90 10-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.527 523.00 10-4 H C(═O)NH-cyclopropyl NH 4.527 535.10 10-5 H C(═O)NH—CH₂cyclopropyl NH 4.675 549.10 10-6 H C(═S)NH—CH₃ NH 4.596 524.95

C.11 Compound Examples 11

Compound examples 11-1 to 11-3 correspond to compounds of formula C.11:

wherein R¹, R² and Y of each synthesized compound is defined in one row of table C.11 below.

TABLE C.11 Com- pound R_(t) [M + Ex. R¹ R² Y (min) H] 11-1 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CF₃ NH 4.556 571.10 11-2 H C(═O)NH—CH₃ NH 4.322 503.10 11-3 H C(═O)NH—CH₂CH₃ NH 4.464 517.10

B. Biological Examples Evaluation of Pesticidal Activity

The activity of the compounds of formula III of the present invention could be demonstrated and evaluated by the following biological test.

B.1 Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens) I

For evaluating control of tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) the test unit consisted of 96-well-microtiter plates containing an insect diet and 15-25 H. virescens eggs. The compounds were formulated using a solution containing 75% v/v water and 25% v/v DMSO. Different concentrations of formulated compounds were sprayed onto the insect diet at 10 μl, using a custom built micro atomizer, at two replications. After application, microtiter plates are incubated at about 28±1° C. and about 80±5% relative humidity for 5 days. Egg and larval mortality is then visually assessed.

In this test, the compounds 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 1-12, 1-13, 1-14, 1-15, 1-16, 1-17, 1-18, 1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-23, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28, 1-29, 1-30, 1-31, 1-32, 1-33, 1-34, 1-35, 1-36, 1-39, 1-40, 1-41, 1-42, 1-43, 1-44, 1-45, 1-47, 1-48, 1-49, 1-51, 1-52, 1-53, 1-54, 1-55, 1-56, 1-57, 1-58, 1-59, 1-60, 1-62, 1-63, 1-64, 1-65, 1-66, 1-67, 1-68, 1-69, 1-70, 1-71, 1-72, 1-73, 1-74, 1-75, 1-76, 1-77, 1-79, 1-80, 1-81, 1-82, 1-83, 1-84, 1-85, 1-86, 1-87, 1-88, 1-89, 1-90, 1-91, 1-92, 1-93, 1-94, 1-95, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8, 2-9, 2-10, 2-11, 2-12, 2-13, 2-14, 2-15, 2-16, 2-17, 2-18, 2-19, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 4-13, 4-14, 4-15, 4-16, 4-17, 4-18, 4-19, 4-20, 4-21, 4-22, 4-23, 4-24, 4-25, 4-26, 4-27, 4-28, 4-29, 4-30, 4-31, 4-32, 4-33, 4-34, 4-35, 4-36, 4-37, 4-38, 4-39, 4-40, 4-41, 4-42, 4-43, 4-44, 4-45, 4-46, 4-47, 4-48, 4-49, 4-50, 4-51, 4-52, 4-53, 4-54, 4-55, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, 5-5, 5-6, 5-9, 5-10, 5-11, 5-12, 5-13, 5-14, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 6-7, 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 7-5, 7-6, 7-7, 7-8, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-6, 8-7, 8-8, 9-1, 9-2, 9-3, 9-4, 9-5, 9-6, 9-7, 9-8, 9-9, 9-10, 9-11, 9-12, 9-13, 9-14, 9-15, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-6, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3, at 2500 ppm, respectively showed a mortality of at least 75% in comparison with untreated controls. 

We claim:
 1. A process for producing a carbonyl compound of formula I

wherein A¹, A², A³ and A⁴ are C or substituted C; B¹, B² and B³ are C or substituted C; X is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl and fluorinated C₁-C₄ alkyl; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine; chlorine; cyano; C₁-C₆-alkyl; fluorinated C₁-C₆-alkyl; C₁-C₆-alkoxy and fluorinated C₁-C₆-alkoxy; or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms may be together a group selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, thus forming, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, a 5- or 6-membered ring; each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, and fluorinated C₁-C₆-alkyl; p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and q is 0, 1 2, 3, 4 or 5; comprising following step: reacting a compound of formula II

wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of Br, I, and —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 radicals selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal complex catalyst.
 2. A process for producing imine compounds of the formula III

wherein Y is O, N—R³, S(O)_(n) or a chemical bond; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₆-alkyl and fluorinated C₁-C₆-alkyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; —N(R⁸)R⁹; —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; with the proviso that R² is not —OR⁷ if Y is O; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; cyano; C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R⁶; —N(R⁸)R⁹; —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³; —OR⁷; —SR⁷; —S(O)_(m)R⁷; —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═O)R⁶; —C(═O)OR⁷; —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═S)R⁶; —C(═S)OR⁷; —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹; —C(═NR⁸)R⁶; phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; or R² and R³ together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²; ═S(O)_(m)R⁷; ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹; ═NR⁸; or ═NOR⁷; or R² and R³ together form a C₂-C₇ alkylene chain, thus forming, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered ring, where the alkylene chain may be interrupted by 1 or 2 O, S and/or NR¹⁸ and/or 1 or 2 of the CH₂ groups of the alkylene chain may be replaced by a group C═O, C═S and/or C═NR¹⁸; and/or the alkylene chain may be substituted by one or more radicals selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR⁷, —OSO₂R⁷, —SR⁷, —S(O) R⁷, —S(O)_(n)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)R¹⁹, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; and, in case R⁶ is bound to a cycloalkyl group or to a heterocyclic ring formed by R¹ and R² together with the atoms to which they are bound, R⁶ may additionally be selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl and benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and in groups —C(═O)R⁶, —C(═S)R⁶, —C(═NR⁸)R⁶ and —N(R⁸)C(═O)R⁶, R⁶ may additionally be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkynyl and benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰; or two geminally bound radicals R⁶ together form a group selected from the group consisting of ═CR¹¹R¹², ═S(O)_(m)R⁷, ═S(O)_(m)N(R⁸)R⁹, ═N—R⁸, ═NOR⁷ and ═NNR⁸; or two radicals R⁶, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members; each R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkylsulfonyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —SR⁸, —S(O)N(R⁸)R⁹, —N(R⁸)R⁹, —N═CR¹⁵R¹⁶, —C(═O)R¹⁷, —C(═O)N(R)R⁹, —C(═S)N(R⁸)R⁹, —C(═O)OR¹⁷, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; with the proviso that R⁷ is not C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy if it is bound to an oxygen atom; each R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, where the alkyl moiety in the four last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl where the cycloalkyl moiety may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₁-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; each R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, where the alkyl moiety in the four last-mentioned radicals may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl where the cycloalkyl moiety may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₆-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals R¹⁰, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; or R⁸ and R⁹ together form a group ═CR¹¹R¹²; or R⁸ and R⁹, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals R^(1′); each R¹⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl which may be partially or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁹, —OR²⁰, —SR²⁰, —S(O)_(m)R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², C(═O)R⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═NR²¹)R²², —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; or two radicals R¹⁰ bound on adjacent atoms together form a group selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—, —N═CH—CH═CH—, —CH═N—CH═CH—, —N═CH—N═CH—, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —OCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂OCH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂O—, —CH═CHO—, —CH₂OCH₂—, —CH₂C(═O)O—, —C(═O)OCH₂—, —O(CH₂)O—, —SCH₂CH₂CH₂—, —SCH═CHCH₂—, —CH₂SCH₂CH₂—, —SCH₂CH₂S—, —SCH₂SCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂S—, —CH═CHS—, —CH₂SCH₂—, —CH₂C(═S)S—, —C(═S)SCH₂—, —S(CH₂)S—, —CH₂CH₂NR²¹—, —CH₂CH═N—, —CH═CH—NR²¹—, —OCH═N— and —SCH═N—, thus forming, together with the atoms to which they are bound, a 5- or 6-membered ring, where the hydrogen atoms of the above groups may be replaced by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, methyl, halomethyl, hydroxyl, methoxy and halomethoxy or one or more CH₂ groups of the above groups may be replaced by a C═O group; R¹¹, R¹² are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, —C(═O)R¹⁹, —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═NR²¹R²², —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; R¹³, R¹⁴ are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl; R¹⁵, R¹⁶ are, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 radicals R¹⁰; and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, which may be substituted by one or more radicals R¹⁰; each R¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl; each R¹⁸ is independently defined like R³; each R¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of cyano, azido, nitro, —SCN, SF₅, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, —OR²⁰, —OSO₂R²⁰, —SR²⁰, —S(O), R²⁰, —S(O)_(n)N(R²¹)R²², —N(R²¹)R²², —C(═O)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═S)N(R²¹)R²², —C(═O)OR²⁰, —C(═O)R²⁰, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; and, in case R¹⁹ is bound to a cycloalkyl group, R¹⁹ may additionally be selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl and C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl; and in groups —C(═O)R¹⁹, R¹⁹ may additionally be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₁-C₆-alkynyl, and C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl; or two geminally bound radicals R¹⁹ together form a group selected from the group consisting of ═CR¹¹R¹², ═S(O)_(m)R²⁰, ═S(O)_(m)N(R²¹)R²², ═NR²¹, ═NOR²⁰ and ═NNR²¹; or two radicals R¹⁹, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members; each R²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₁-C₆-alkynyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkynyl, —Si(R¹⁴)₂R¹³, C₁-C₆-alkylaminosulfonyl, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-(C₁-C₆-alkyl)-amino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkylcarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, di-(C₁-C₆-alkyl)-aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxycarbonyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; with the proviso that R²⁰ is not C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy if it is bound to an oxygen atom; R²¹ and R²² are independently of each other and independently of each occurrence selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-haloalkylthio, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkynyl, phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, benzyl which may be substituted by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, and a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals independently selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; or R²¹ and R²², together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may additionally containing 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, as ring members, where the heterocyclic ring may be substituted by one or more radicals selected from f the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; each m is independently 1 or 2: each n is independently 0, 1 or 2; and A¹, A², A³, A⁴, B², B³, X, R⁴, R⁵, p and q are as defined in claim 1; comprising following step: in preparing compound of formula (III) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, reacting a compound of formula II

wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴, B¹, B², B³, X, R⁴, R⁵, p and q are as defined above and Z is selected from the group consisting of Br, I, and —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or phenyl which may be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 radicals selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy; with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal complex catalyst to produce a carbonyl compound of formula I

reacting the compound of formula I with a compound NH₂—Y—R² to obtain the compound of formula (III) wherein R¹ is hydrogen; or in preparing compound of formula (III) wherein R¹ is not hydrogen, reacting a compound of formula II with a Grignard reagent R¹—MgHal, where Hal is Cl, Br or I, or an organolithium compound R¹—Li to obtain an alcohol of formula IV

oxidizing the alcohol of formula IV to obtain a carbonyl compound V

and reacting the carbonyl compound of formula V with a compound NH₂—Y—R² wherein R¹ is not hydrogen.
 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, where Z is Br, I or —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is selected from the group consisting of CH₃, CF₃ and 4-methylphenyl.
 4. The process as claimed in claim 1, where carbon monoxide and hydrogen are used in a molar ratio of from 20:1 to 1:10.
 5. The process as claimed in claim 4, where carbon monoxide and hydrogen are used in a molar ratio of from 2:1 to 1:2.
 6. The process as claimed in claim 1, where the catalyst is a group VIII metal complex.
 7. The process as claimed in claim 6, where the metal is selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt, Ni, Rh, Ir and Ru.
 8. The process as claimed in claim 1, where the catalyst contains a monodentate and/or bidentate ligand.
 9. The process as claimed in claim 1, where the catalyst contains a phosphorus-containing ligand.
 10. The process as claimed in claim 9, where the phosphorus-containing ligand is a monodentate ligand selected from the group consisting of phosphorus compounds of formula PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), where R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c), independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-alkoxy, where the alkyl moieties in the 2 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents R^(d); C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocycyl, heterocyclyloxy, C₅-C₁₈-polycyclyl, C₅-C₁₈-polycyclyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, hetaryl and hetaryloxy, where the cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, polycyclyl, aryl and hetaryl moieties in the 10 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents R^(e); or R^(a) and R^(b) together with the phosphorus atom to which they are bound form a 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered heterocyclic ring which may be additionally fused to one, two or three C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or hetaryl groups, where the heterocyclic ring and, if present, the fused-on groups may each independently carry one, two, three or four substituents Re; each R^(d) is independently selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, hetaryl, hetaryloxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, OH, SH, COOH, carboxylate, SO₃H, sulfonate, NE¹E², NE¹E²E³⁺X⁻, halogen, nitro, acyl and cyano; each R^(e) is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, hetaryl, hetaryloxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, OH, SH, COOH, carboxylate, SO₃H, sulfonate, NE¹E², NE¹E²E³⁺X⁻, halogen, nitro, acyl and cyano; E¹, E² and E³ are identical or different radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl and aryl; and X⁻ is an anion equivalent.
 11. The process as claimed in claim 10, where R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c), independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl and phenoxy, where the cyclohexyl, adamantyl and phenyl moiety in the 4 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.
 12. The process as claimed in claim 9, where the phosphorus-containing ligand is a bidentate ligand selected from phosphorus compounds of formula

where X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵, independently of each other and independently of each occurrence, are selected from O, S, NR and a group SiR^(k)R^(l), where R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l), independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and hetaryl; c, f, g, h and i are independently 0 or 1; R^(f), R^(g), R^(h) and R^(i), independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₁₂-alkyl which may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents R^(d); C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, C₅-C₁₈-polycyclyl, aryl and hetaryl, where the cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, polycyclyl, aryl and hetaryl moieties in the 5 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents R^(e); where R^(d) and R^(e) are as defined in claim 10; or in case X¹ and X² are O or NR and f and g are 1, R^(f) together with R^(g) form a C₂-C₅-alkylene group; and/or in case X⁴ and X⁵ are O or NR^(j) and h and g are 1, R^(h) together with R^(i) form a C₂-C₅-alkylene group; and A is a bridging group.
 13. The process as claimed in claim 12, where the bridging group A is selected from the group consisting of divalent aliphatic groups, divalent alicyclic groups, divalent heterocyclic groups, divalent aliphatic-alicyclic groups, divalent aromatic groups, divalent araliphatic groups, divalent heteroaromatic groups, divalent heteroaromatic-aliphatic groups and metallocene groups.
 14. The process as claimed in claim 13, where the bridging group A is selected from the group consisting of C₂-C₆-alkylene, binaphthenediylyl, xanthenediyl and ferrocenediyl, where the cyclic moieties in the 3 last-mentioned radicals may carry 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 radicals selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.
 15. The process as claimed in claim 12, where R^(f), R^(g), R^(h) and R^(i), independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₁₂-alkyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, phenyl, phenoxy and indolyl, where the phenyl moiety in phenyl and phenoxy and the indolyl radical may carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₄-alkoxy.
 16. The process as claimed in claim 1, where the catalyst is produced by bringing the transition metal or a salt thereof and the ligand in a molar ratio of from 10:1 to 1:100 into contact with each other.
 17. The process as claimed in claim 1, where the catalyst is used in such an amount that the metal is present in an amount of 0.001 to 10 mol-%, relative to 100 mol-% of compound II.
 18. The process as claimed in claim 1, where reaction is carried out at 1 to 100 bar.
 19. The process as claimed in claim 1, where reaction is carried out at 50 to 170° C.
 20. The process as claimed in claim 1, where reaction is carried out in the presence of a base.
 21. The process as claimed in claim 20, where the base is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic mono and polyamines, aromatic amines, alkanol amines, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and inorganic bases.
 22. The process as claimed in claim 20 where the base is used in an amount of 0.1 to 10 mole equivalents, relative to 1 mole of compound II.
 23. The process as claimed in claim 1, where X is trifluoromethyl.
 24. The process as claimed in claim 1, where Y is NR³.
 25. The process as claimed in claim 1, where R² is CO—N(R⁸)R⁹, CS—N(R⁸)R⁹ or CO—R⁶.
 26. The process as claimed in claim 1, where R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl and —C(═O)R⁶.
 27. The process as claimed in claim 26, where R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-haloalkyl.
 28. The process as claimed in claim 1, where each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F; cyano; C₁-C₆-alkyl, fluorinated C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and fluorinated C₁-C₆-alkoxy or two radicals R⁴ bound on adjacent carbon atoms form together a group —CH═CH—CH═CH—.
 29. The process as claimed in claim 2, where each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F and fluorinated C₁-C₂-alkyl.
 30. The process as claimed in claim 29, where each R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of chlorine and fluorine.
 31. The process as claimed in claim 2, where Z is Br, I or —OSO₂—R^(z1), where R^(z1) is selected from the group consisting of CH₃, CF₃ and 4-methylphenyl. 